July 3rd statistics deriving from the BVI Health Services Authority has confirmed 273 active cases of covid-19 in the British Virgin Islands.
Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Ronald Georges confirmed that a total of 752 tests were run on the 2nd of July 2021 which amassed an additional 118 positives.
Dr. Georges said ” Of these 273 cases, 12 are quarantined on vessels and related to entry screening, 256 are on Tortola, four (4) on Virgin Gorda and one (1) on Jost Van Dyke. Travel screening accounts for 45 cases, while 206 cases are from contact tracing, with some persons presenting themselves or being screened due to attending the emergency room.
CLUSTERS IDENTIFIED IN MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
Dr. Georges said clusters were detected and is a cause for concern as active contact tracing continues.
“A cluster of 14 cases identified so far at the Adina Donovan Home for the Elderly and 18 members of staff at the BVI Health Services Authority were identified by mass screening at both of these institutions. Measures have been immediately taken to safeguard the public through isolation of affected persons and further strengthening of infection control measures and curtailment of non-essential services.”
“Private health care institutions and other essential services have been advised to begin preparation for mass screening of their staff to determine the extent to which they have been affected,” Dr. Georges continued.
THE VACCINE IS THE BEST PROTECTION SAYS DR. GEORGES
Dr. Georges said only 17% of the newly confirmed cases were vaccinated.
“With respect to the vaccination status of the 273 active cases, 55 percent are unvaccinated, 13 percent partially vaccinated, 17 percent vaccinated, and 15 percent not recorded or to be determined.”
“Despite the many conspiracies and misconceptions surrounding vaccination it remains a safe and effective layer of internal protection to add to all of the other layers of protection that we have against COVID-19. International data has shown vaccination to be safe with few side effects and this has been borne out in the local evidence as well where most persons with side effects have found them to be mild. Vaccination significantly reduces the probability of exposed and vaccinated persons becoming positive by 60 percent to 90 percent and if they do become positive their risk of transmission is further reduced by up 67percent,” he added.
Though the July 3rd deadline has passed for persons wishing to be inoculated with the first shot, Dr. Georges said they should still reach out to get a single dose as it offers more protection over not being vaccinated.
SOCIAL DISTANCE, SANITIZE AND ISOLATE IS SICK
The CMO said the previous advice given to the public is at this time reiterated:
- Persons should voluntarily limit unnecessary movement and as far as possible stay at home.
- If you must go out please strictly adhere to all public health measures in force regardless of your vaccination status. This includes:
- Universal mask wearing;
- Regular hand hygiene;
- Social distancing of at least six feet from persons not from your household.
- Avoid all mass gathering events, in particular, indoor events.
- Where gatherings are happening there must be strict adherence to all public health measures. If you are not comfortable with what you see please do leave and report any breaches to the organisers and authorities.
- All offices and businesses should ensure very strict adherence to measures already in place and can begin consideration for further limiting the number of patrons/or clients entering premises to further limit opportunities for transmission.
- All business and offices should consider implementing their business continuity plans and remote working where possible.
- If you do think you have been exposed or have symptoms of COVID-19 do call the medical hotline at 852 7650 to schedule a test or for further advice.
- If you have symptoms of COVID-19 immediately self-isolate and seek to be tested as soon as possible.
Regarding restrictions and tighter protocols, Dr. Georges said “It is expected that case counts will continue to rise, and it is important for all of us to act responsibly and follow directives to arrest the current rate of transmission. The Health Emergency Operations Centre will therefore immediately advise Cabinet on any public health measures that are required to arrest the current outbreak. “
284 Media reminds all to abide by the safety protocols laid out by health officials to protect lives and livelihoods throughout this pandemic.