Health officials confirm another COVID-related death

The following is a media release from the Ministry of Health dated Thursday, July 8, 2021.

The Ministry of Health & Social Development confirms the unfortunate second COVID-19 related death in the territory.

The deceased is a 32-year-old male with underlying medical conditions. At the time of his death, the deceased was an ICU patient at the Dr D Orlando Smith Hospital.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of this young man and express our sincere sympathy to the family. This death not only affects loved ones but impacts the community,” Acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr Ronald Georges said.

To date, we have 821 active confirmed cases of COVID-19 with more expected as contact tracing continues. “We are encouraging the community to help us to arrest the spread of COVID-19 by adhering to guidelines and protocols,” Dr Georges pleaded.

Reduce your risk of contracting COVID 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.

If you are a case or a close contact, please follow the directives of the Public Health Officers and adhere to the terms and conditions of your quarantine order. If you have been in contact with a positive case and/or symptomatic, you should immediately isolate, minimise contact with your household and contact the Public Health Unit at 468-4936, 468-2274 or 468-2285 or 468-2278.      

Dr Georges also recommends acquainting yourself and your loved ones about COVID-19 during this time, especially with its symptoms, and emphasises seeking medical care if symptoms worsen (i.e. you keep getting sicker and sicker). 

If you or your loved one experience any of the following symptoms such as a headache, runny nose, nasal congestion, fever, dry cough, muscle aches, fatigue, vomiting, loss of taste, smell or appetite, weakness in the hands and feet, vomiting and diarrhoea, please fill out the National Symptom Reporting Form by copying the following link: https://redcap.link/BVICOVIDSMR into your browser or scanning the QR Code with your camera.” 

Once completed, Public Health Officers will review and liaise with the appropriate medical centre to arrange for either treatment and/or testing. A follow-up monitoring form will then be sent at the same time daily until recovery.

Dr Georges also continues to advocate for vaccination. 

“While getting vaccinated offers little to no protection against this current outbreak, it will be beneficial to persons if future outbreaks occur,” he said.

A full update to communicate the decisions of Cabinet will be communicated via a Facebook live this evening.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development is committed to improving the health of the people of the Virgin Islands.