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Neighbouring USVI confirms first case of COVID-19

The neighbouring United States Virgin Islands (USVI) has confirmed its first case of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

The USVI Health Department made the announcement on its official website at 8:15 pm on Friday, March 13.

“The territory’s first case is a resident with some recent international travel history to one of the five locations with widespread transmission of the disease,” the USVI Health Department said.

It said the current risk of transmission in the Virgin Islands “remains low for most residents, but precautions should still be taken to avoid transmission within the community’”.

“Within the Epidemiology division we are doing everything possible to flatten the epidemiological curve, which decreases the case load at any one time and allows healthcare facilities time and the ability to respond. If you are sick, it is critical that you stay home. We are urging the public to only go to the emergency room if you are in need of emergency care due to the severity of your illness,” said Territorial Epidemiologist for the USVI, Dr Esther Ellis.

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10 Comments

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  1. WELLNESS says:

    SOME MEDICAL FACILITIES NEED TO PROTECT THEIR FRONLINE EMLPOYEES IN THE BVI BY GLASS BARRIERS . ITS MANDATORY BY LAW IN OTHER COUNTRIES.

    Like 3
    Dislike 1
  2. Loose lips says:

    I wish some people will educate themselves on the virus cause many are going around spreading foolishness….like saying black people can’t catch it SMH

    Like 4
    Dislike 4
  3. BVI gone crazy says:

    Organizing a BVI prayer day with entire community including all the politicians ..that’s one way of getting everyone killed by the CORONA virus. What is wrong with these people ..NO SOCIAL EVENTS!

    Like 8
    Dislike 1
    • umm says:

      Same thoughts here. Yes,
      prayer is welcomed. But no social distancing?

      All of them gathering in a small space.They could have prayed remotely via watap to decrease cost or othe modes of communication.

  4. Diaspora says:

    The USVI is a border country/territory to the VI (British) so it is stretch to surmise that if the USVI has a confirmed case(s)of the Novel Covid-19 Coronavirus that either it is already in the VI or it is just around the corner. The VI should assume that it already in the territory and take the necessary action to prevent, contain, control and mitigate it.

    USVI Gov Bryan has already declared state of emergency, declaring a statement of emergency gives the Guv additional powers, ie, implementing price control, which has already been to a staff. Further, VI Premier Fahie also has taken similar action to prevent, contain, control and mitigate the spread of the virus. They both have suspended cruise arrivals, discouraged large gathering, encouraged social distancing, cancelled festivals/carnivals…….etc. Specifically, the VI has officially requested assistance from the UK to increase the number of beds to increase the surge capacity if needed. Perhaps the USVI can request the assistance of a naval hospital ship, ie, USS Comfort……..etc.

    Nonetheless, both islands need to take a close look at the actions taken by China and South Korea to bend or flatten the curb. These two countries conducted mass testing (without massing testing, you are operating blind) and have taken what is called draconian actions to bend the curb. Their actions have significantly reduced the number of daily infections.

    Moreover, whoever is spreading the false rumour that persons of African descent cannot be infected or die from the Coronavirus, needs to stop and people should dismiss it. It is false and a reckless assertion that is not helpful and can result in loss of life.

  5. vvvvv says:

    HURRY HURRY COME HERE TOO

    Like 3
    Dislike 3
  6. AASXCW2 says:

    I AM PICKING MY NOSE. I BIG BOOGER IS IN IT

    Like 3
    Dislike 1
  7. AASXCW2 says:

    I AM PICKING MY NOSE. A BIG BOOGER IS IN IT

    Like 4
    Dislike 1
  8. Quiet Rebel says:

    The Novel Covid-19 Coronavirus pandemic as listed by WHO is an existential threat to health of the VI residents, the economy……..etc. The Coronavirus is a highly contagious disease that can spread rapidly and infect a large number of people. A sudden increase in infections can overwhelm the medical system. The question is how the BVI will react to a surge in infections? How will it ramp up capacity for a surge need for beds, respirators, ventilators……..etc.

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