Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Carvin Malone has reported that 20 persons recovered from COVID-19 and that there is one new case of the virus in the British Virgin Islands.

This brings the total number of recoveries to 30, total active cases to 33, total number of cases recorded to 64 with over 4,000 persons tested.

In his official COVID-19 Update this evening, Honourable Malone stated that the most recent person to test positive was a young child associated with a previously detected case and extended well wishes for a speedy recovery.

The Health Minister stated that over the past three weeks, health teams have been able to quarantine, monitor and test hundreds of primary and secondary contacts of persons who recently tested positive for the coronavirus while commending the public’s cooperation.

“Your compliance with the existing curfew measures has helped tremendously to limit the spread of the virus, which puts us in a stronger position to safely continue on our quest to reopen our society, our economy and our borders,” Honourable Malone said.

He also stated that given the positive developments, the Cabinet of the Virgin Islands will meet on Friday to decide on the way forward.

Honourable Malone said, “Continuing on this positive path requires full and active cooperation from all of us.  We must remember to take personal responsibility and hold each other accountable for adherence to the Public Health measures that have been put in place to suppress and control the COVID-19 virus.”

He concluded the update by explaining the status of the Social Distancing Task Force saying, “The Environmental Health Division and its newly revamped Social Distancing Task Force will be fully deployed over the coming days to actively monitor compliance and strictly enforce the Suppression Measures for businesses, other establishments, and all persons in public places. These simple measures include handwashing, physical distancing, and wearing of face masks that cover your nose and mouth, but not the entire face.”

The public is reminded to report any suspicious activity by dialing 311. Persons who are experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19 including fever, cough, headache, fatigue, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, muscle aches, or difficulty breathing are encouraged to contact the Medical Hotline at 852-7650 to schedule an appointment for testing. The fee has been waived except for persons requiring results for traveling purposes.