The Ministry of Health and Social Development has confirmed that seven more COVID related deaths were recorded during the month of January, bringing the total number of deaths in the Virgin Islands to 49.

The deceased are a 90-year-old female who died on January 2, a 62-year-old female who died on January 3, an 84-year-old female who died on January 5, a 74-year-old male who died on January 7, a 78-year-old male who died on January 7, a 95-year-old male who died on January 11 and an 86-year-old male who died on January 24.

Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Carvin Malone expressed condolences to the bereaved families on behalf of the Government of the Virgin Islands.  “This wave of the virus is severely impacting our seniors and immune-compromised persons according to the data.  Omicron is a milder form of the disease but it is enhancing the vulnerability of older persons with chronic diseases to more severe disease, hospitalisation and death with COVID,” Honourable Malone stated.

“We continue to urge the persons, especially our most vulnerable to get vaccinated or boosted as vaccination remains our best option to fight this disease,” he added.

Honourable Malone further stated, “We are not out of the woods yet, while countries around the world begin to relax COVID public health measures, we must remain vigilant.”

Active cases have fallen to 415 in the Territory with 13 persons currently hospitalised. 

Persons who test positive are reminded to disclose their positive status especially if they live in a household with other people. 

Reduce your risk of contracting COVID by getting vaccinated or boosted, washing and/or sanitising your hands (~20 seconds), wearing masks properly (ensure your mask covers your nose and mouth), physically distancing (>3ft) and covering coughs and sneezes regardless of your vaccination status.

 Please stay healthy and safe! Remember, we will get through this together.

The Government of the Virgin Islands is committed to improving the health and well-being of the people of the Virgin Islands