Following the plight of positive COVID-19 cases in the British Virgin Islands Governor John Rankin is urging residents to rise beyond their fears and get vaccinated.
Governor Ranking made the statement on Wednesday June 30, after the territory COVID-19 positive active cases had risen from 13 to 49 cases.
He said, “I am speaking to you today as I am concerned, concerned to hear of the further increased cases of COVID-19 here in the BVI. Over the past few weeks, we have seen neighbouring countries struggle with COVID-19, with those that are not vaccinated becoming incredibly ill, having to spend time in hospital and medical facilities coming under real strain from the numbers of people needing help.”
“This virus affects everyone, no matter what age, what race, what fitness levels. Indeed, in Anguilla, it was a young, very fit chap under 30 who sadly ended up in hospital,” the governor added.
Governor provided some facts about the vaccine
Governor Rankin said it was important to provide some facts about the vaccine to help dispel some of the circulating stories.
“I know there are a lot of stories about the vaccine. I thought it helpful to provide some facts: No vaccine completely stops you getting a disease and this vaccine is no different. But like other things we do, such as tetanus jabs, it hugely reduces the risk. The AstraZeneca vaccine ensures that if you are unlucky enough to get Covid – 19, it will stop you from getting very ill – research says it is almost 100% protection from hospitalization,” he explained.
“COVID is very contagious and the delta variant that has been found in neighbouring countries is quickly spreading amongst communities. The vaccine we have available in BVI, the AstraZeneca vaccine, reduces the chance of transmission significantly, by almost 90%. So two doses of the vaccine will not only protect people from being very sick, it will also really reduce the chance of COVID-19 spreading in the community,” he added.
Residents urged to listen to medical doctors
The governor said that it was paramount that the territory finds a way to best manage the risk of the COVID-19 virus, especially as the BVI borders continue to open.
He said this can be achieved with more vaccinations in the BVI and he encouraged residents to take the advice of the medical professionals.
“I am not a doctor, I am your Governor, so I appreciate you may not want to hear my view, I understand that. But I urge you to listen to the medical doctors in the territory, all of whom have been fully vaccinated. They are the most qualified to advise us all, as they understand and examine the science, monitor the results, and manage the risk,” he stated.
He further said, “We currently have good supplies of the AstraZeneca vaccine available in the BVI and I want to encourage you all, if you haven’t yet done so, to really consider that now is the time to get vaccinated. Please don’t wait and see, as that approach may sadly mean you, or a loved one, ends up in the hospital.”
Persons who are yet to get their first dose of the vaccine are being reminded that the current batch of vaccines in the territory expires on July 31. Therefore residents who are interested in getting vaccinated with their first dosage, will have to do so by Saturday July 3.