Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Carvin Malone has confirmed that another positive case of COVID-19 has been recorded in the British Virgin Islands bringing the total cases reported to 12.

Minister Malone stated during the official announcement this evening that the case was confirmed today through laboratory testing.

Honourable Malone said, “Case number 12 was presented at the emergency room after experiencing moderate symptoms, was subsequently admitted and is currently isolated and hospitalised at the Dr. D Orlando Smith Hospital.  While the individual is residing legally in the Virgin Islands the case does not have a history of recent travel out of or into the Territory.”

He emphasised that contact tracing and related investigations are currently being conducted by teams from the Ministry of Health and the BVI Health Services Authority. 

Additionally, the Health Minister outlined proactive measures taken to safeguard the hospital and the community which include: suspending visitation hours and privileges at the Dr. D Orlando Smith Hospital; tracing and assessing all staff members that came in contact with the case; conducting and analysis to determine the level of exposure by each contacted staff member; quarantine occupants of the apartment building which case number 12 resides; begin and accelerate aggressive contact tracing of all close contacts; and identifying the bars and night clubs which the individual frequented for further contact tracing.

“As more information becomes available, the public will be advised of any public health or other measures that may need to be put in place for your safety,” Honourable Malone said.

Members of the community are reminded of the importance of adhering to the established guidelines of social distancing, personal hygiene, wearing of face mask, and hand washing.  

Businesses are to remain compliant and consistently adhere to the protocols under which they were approved to operate by the Environmental Health Division.

Members of the public are also urged to contact the relevant authorities including the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, Her Majesty Customs or the Immigration Department to report any suspicion or evidence of people smuggling into the Territory as illegal entry provides an avenue for COVID-19 to enter and spread among the community. 

Persons who are experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19 are also encouraged to contact the Medical Hotline at 852-7650 to schedule an appointment for testing. Common symptoms include fever, cough, headache, fatigue, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, muscle aches, or difficulty breathing.

Minister Malone further stated that the detection of Case 12 clearly illustrates that the Territory is not out of the woods, as COVID-19 continues to pose an imminent threat to the community. 

The Government of the Virgin Islands remains committed to keeping the public informed of all significant developments related to COVID-19.  For more information on the Territory’s COVID-19 response please visit the website www.bvi.gov.vg/Covid-19.