The Ministry of Health and Social Development is confirming two more COVID related deaths today bringing the total number of deaths to eight.

The deceased are an 83-year-old female, and a 36-year-old female who were both patients at the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital at the time of their passing.

Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Carvin Malone expressed condolences to the families and loved ones on behalf of the Government of the Virgin Islands.  “Expressing condolences to the many bereaved families is getting harder and harder,” he said.

“The road to the other side of this surge will not be without challenges but I remain steadfast in knowing that if we all do our part, we will get through this!  Let us continue to pray, adhere to established COVID-19 protocols and guidelines, follow curfew orders and get vaccinated,” Honourable Malone pleaded.

The COVID Hospital Admissions Summary statistics as of July 15 are as follows:

• 11--persons admitted to ER (3 deaths)
• 22--persons admitted to the COVID-19 ward (3 deaths)
• 1--person admitted to Behavioural Health Unit
• 5--persons admitted to ICU (2 deaths)
• 1--person admitted to the Obstetric Unit
• 41--hospital admitted patients all of whom are unvaccinated

Acting Chief Medical Officer said as of July 14 there were 1602 active confirmed

cases of COVID-19 in the Territory. 

Dr. Georges said. “My heart goes out to the families who are affected by the death of a loved one. COVID is real and if we are to get through this, some of us will have to change our approach to this virus. We must continue to strictly adhere to the health and safety protocols and take advantage of the opportunity to get vaccinated.”

“Given that the BVI is experiencing high community transmission all symptomatic persons should immediately assume that they are COVID positive.  Therefore, we need persons to adhere to isolation and quarantine orders,” Dr. Georges stated.

The unvaccinated members of the community are encouraged to take advantage of the vaccination drive this Saturday and Sunday, July 17^th and 18^th on the Festival Grounds from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to get vaccinated.

“The more people we can get vaccinated the less the mortality rates. Persons who are being severely impacted from COVID-19 have preexisting medical conditions.  We are making a special appeal to our vulnerable population to get vaccinated today to save your life tomorrow,” Dr. Georges said.

The Public Health team is asking the community to have patience as members work assiduously.  If you have taken a COVID test and did not get your results back, please fill out the form via the link https://redcap.link/LABResults.

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.