Commissioner of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force Michael Matthews has outlined the procedure for reporting deaths of individuals at home as the Territory continues a 14-day shut down to control the spread of COVID-19.

Commissioner Matthews, in a statement said that the police should be notified immediately if an individual dies at home. He said nothing should be disturbed at the scene of death until officers from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force arrive at the scene.

The Commissioner said that if necessary, the officers will examine the deceased as they must treat every death as potentially suspicious. The identity of the deceased will be confirmed and their next of kin will be identified. The individual’s medical history will be assessed and any medications that they were prescribed will be collected.

Commissioner Matthews noted that the attendance of a doctor will be sought to certify the individual’s death and photographs will be taken if necessary. Arrangements will be made to have the body removed and taken to the mortuary of the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital. Once this has been completed, the attending officer must write a report to the Coroner on the death.

The 14-day shutdown went into effect at 9:00 p.m. on April 4 and will end on April 19.