In a Government Information Services COVID-19 Press briefing held this morning August 28th, 2020. Minister of Health and Social Development, Hon. Carvin Malone informed residents of the British Virgin Islands that a total of 529 Test were conducted between the period of August 25th-27th, 2020. These included persons from primary and secondary contacts of recently tested positive cases, as well as Anegada residents, returning nationals and other categories of persons routinely tested for COVID-19.
Of the 529 test, 520 returned negative, 9 returned positive. With these additional findings, the total number of positive cases are 35, with 8 recoveries, 1 death and 26 active cases. Presently 2 of the active cases are hospitalized and thankfully are not showing severe symptoms, with the other patients remaining in self isolation and quarantine. If you missed the press briefing take a look:
Minister Malone further stated that a total of 2,853 persons have been tested to date, with 658 being tested over a four-day period.
Extensive testing and contact tracing continues across the territory of the Virgin Islands. Given these circumstances, the BVI is now classified as having ‘clusters of cases’ in accordance with the World Health Organizaton transmission classification guidelines. We remain at Phase 3 of our National Action Plan against the COVID-19 Pandemic which is dubbed the ‘Stamp it Out’ phase. The main objective is to rapidly contain spread and prevent transmission within the community, especially to vulnerable groups.
It was announced that all persons who were tested on Anegada have tested negative and the all clear has been given and travel restrictions lifted for Anegada.
Residents of Virgin Gorda are reminded that testing will be taking place for residents on the island who feel as thou they may have been exposed today Friday, August 28th, 2020 at the Catholic Community Center from 10am-2pm, persons coming for testing must adhere to all health protocol guidelines.
Minister Malone during his remarks also made a special appeal to persons who were at a number of establishments including Bars in Hutums Ghut and Fat Hogs Bay Tortola, to contact the medical hotline for testing.