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Health Ministry reports that 6 residents test positive for COVID

Positive coronavirus test sample

Health Minister Carvin Malone has announced that six members of the BVI community have contracted COVID-19 with one person currently receiving treatment at hospital.

The minister confirmed that the person who is hospitalised isn’t critically ill.

In addition to the six residents, another 12 visitors have tested positive for the virus bringing the present number of active cases to 18.

“Of the 18 active cases, five are located on Tortola, 12 on Virgin Gorda and one on a marine vessel,” Minister Malone explained.

Persons barred from departing

The Ministry of Health said it is currently investigating two persons of interest from among the active cases. Both of these persons tested negative and were cleared from quarantine on Day 4 but subsequently tested positive during their exit screening that was required for departure.

Both individuals and their close contacts are under secured mandatory 14-day quarantine and subject to testing as directed by the Protocols.

“To date, one of the persons of interest has three contacts that have tested positive for COVID-19 while others are scheduled for testing at the most appropriate time to detect the virus,” Minister Malone explained.

He continued: “It is also important to note that one of the persons of interest visited a number of establishments on Virgin Gorda and after an aggressive contact tracing exercise most of the close contacts have been identified, interviewed, quarantined and is being monitored. The ministry has reviewed each of the establishments and has determined that they are in full compliance with the appropriate protocols.”

Old Year’s Party Patrons at risk

Minister Malone said as an extra layer of security aimed at easing the minds of patrons and the general public, persons who attended the New Year’s Party at Coco Maya Restaurant between the hours of 10 pm and 1 am are being advised to call the Ministry of Health at 468-2274 and 468-4936, or email [email protected] to schedule a COVID-19 rt-PCR test. 

This request is for everyone who was in attendance, whether they live on Virgin Gorda or any other of the sister islands.

Testing will be available in Virgin Gorda at the Anglican Church Hall from 10 am to 12 noon and at the Dr D. Orlando Smith Hospital tent between midday and 2 pm from Friday the 8th of January 2021 through Sunday the 10th.

Persons are encouraged to call or email to schedule their time for testing. To avoid crowding at testing locations, it is preferred that persons first call or email and do not just show up for testing.

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18 Comments

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  1. idlewanderer says:

    here we go. contact tracing starts on 8 jan in relation to party on 31 dec.

    best follow isle of man example and lock back down now. seek to preserve the prize of freedom.

    Like 15
    Dislike 6
  2. Don’t surprise me none says:

    All of you who was out here playing RUSSIAN ROULETTE WITH YOUR LIVES DURING THE HOLIDAYS BETTER RUN, NOT WALK AND GET YOURSELVES TESTED. NASTY UNCARING SELFISH PEOPLE SWAPPING SPIT AND SWEAT JUST TO SHAKE YOUR A** AND DRINK THEN GO HOME AND SPREAD YOUR NASTY COVID GERMS TO THE PUBLIC AND YOUR FAMILY.

    Like 78
    Dislike 11
  3. Citizen says:

    It is happening now as expected, more drama soon, brace for it

    Like 12
  4. What a thing says:

    The vip lie so much that it’s hard to believe this
    Ayo full of daily drama
    Ayo have a plan to destroy the bvi
    Y’all using COVID to do it
    Yao already kill tourism
    Ayo fail to understand life has to go on
    Ppl have to work in other to eat, pay bill and rent etc
    COVID will not end anytime soon
    Some ppl will survive some will die that’s life

    Like 4
    Dislike 23
  5. Pandora's Box says:

    All seems unfortunate (or oddly convenient) that this is all happening. Suddenly critically ill person, covid free on day four but covid positive on exit screening, and because they were given the ‘go ahead’ and went out everyone is at risk.

    Reality is there is no ‘day four’ result! It is a day five or six result because we start at day ‘zero’ and tests DO NOT come back on day four (which is technically day five) because you get to test on that day and you are VERY lucky if you get your result back the next day.

    Just all seems …………. hmmmm, strange, even kind of convenient for a path leading to a lock down, change of protocols, and a giant “I TOLD YOU SO FOR YOUR OWN GOOD” from our elected members!

    Goal posts are moving again soon! Or, maybe I am just going crazy!

    Like 6
    Dislike 4
  6. @what a thing says:

    This is their move to scare the public into wanting to take the covid test. Covid is all over but in order for people to live, life must go on. It won’t be normal again but it must go on. You just can’t save everyone from getting the virus by locking down the territory constantly. This government is forever panicking and causing the people to panick

    Like 4
    Dislike 11
  7. Well says:

    Sad part is even the ones who made the responsible decision to stay home may be at risk. Imagine you stayed home and your coworker went partying and been in office a whole week exposing people to something he or she may have contracted just to irresponsibly go out and party. Bet y’all wouldn’t risk so much to go to church. A lost society.

    Like 7
    Dislike 2
  8. Becareful says:

    The Gov slack….they should of ban off events for old years night. Ban everyone. Close bar early. Put the curfew for 7. So church service virtual.

    Like 7
    Dislike 1
  9. Just saying says:

    Not wearing a mask outside and you get to close in my space, I AM GOING TO TASE YOU IN THE THROAT WITH MY TASER.

    Like 3
    Dislike 3
  10. Oh please says:

    BVI News you are irresponsible in your reporting because no where was it ever stated that there is community spread by the Health officials. Shame on you.

  11. Hmm says:

    So where did these six persons get it from?? Was it right here in the BVI or were they off island and recently returned???

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