The Ministry of Health and Social Development is confirming six more COVID related fatalities over the last two days bringing the total number of deaths in the Virgin Islands to 23.

The deceased are a 50-year-old female who died on July 18, a 71-year-old male, a 66-year-old female a 41-year-old female and a 74-year-female who died on July 19, and a 67-year-old male who died today.  Five persons died at the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital and one person died at home.

Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Carvin Malone expressed condolences to the families and friends of those who are hurting and mourning the loss of their loved ones on behalf of the Government of the Virgin Islands.  “This is a difficult time for all of us here in the Territory.  We have never seen a situation like this unfold.  I pray that God continues to grant us favour and mercy to see us through this very troubling time,” he said.

Honourable Malone further stated, “We met with a team of over 45 doctors, who have pledged their support and we are calling on the nurses active, retired, at home or abroad to lend their services and support at this very important moment.”

As of July 18, confirmed active cases had fallen to 1,604 in the Territory with a reduction in daily increase in new cases. 

Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ronald Georges said, “Persons who test positive for COVID-19 need to disclose their positive status especially if they live in a household with other people.  We are seeing a number of occurrences of persons not disclosing and therefore endangering persons around them.”

Operation Protect Each Other Vaccination Drive-Thru which was launched last weekend remains in effect.  Persons seeking their first or second jab of the AstraZeneca vaccine can do so from July 20 to 24 on the Festival Grounds between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19 by washing and/or sanitising your hands (~20 seconds), wearing masks properly, physically distancing (>3ft) and covering coughs and sneezes regardless of your vaccination status.

Please stay healthy and safe! We will get through this together.

The Government of the Virgin Islands is committed to improving the health of the people of the Virgin Islands.