Six persons are now hospitalized following new epidemiological updates that show the territory’s toll rising to 478 cases, as of today July, 5th.
This new number takes into account new discoveries and recovered cases according to a statement released by Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Ronald Georges.
Dr. Georges noted “As of the 5th of July, 2021 the Territory has detected a total of 480 reported positive cases of COVID-19 in the Virgin Islands. On the 3rd of July 692 samples were tested and 126 were returned as positive while on the 4th of July, 2021 a total of 480 samples were tested returning 94 positive test results. The total active case count in the Virgin Islands currently stands at 478 after repeat tests and recoveries are taken into account.”
Dr. Georges stated that of the active cases, 6 are recieving medical care at the isolation unit, while 2 are being carefully looked at in the ICU.
The CMO said “Given these unknowns, it is important for us to err on the side of caution until more information is available. Currently there are four (4) persons hospitalized with two (2) in ICU presently.”
LESS THAN 10% OF PATIENTS EXPERIENCING SEVERE SYMPTOMS
Of the active cases, less than 10% of patients are experiencing rare symptoms such as coughing up blood, skin rash, difficulty speaking, weakness (tingling or numbness) in hands or legs and wet cough
More than 50% are showing regular symptoms such as the fever, chills, dry cough and headache and a less than 50% are experiencing less frequent symptoms such as difficulty breathing, diarreah, persistent vomiting and loss of appetite.
AGRESSIVE INFECTION RATE INDICATES THAT A NEW VARIANT MAY BE IN THE TERRITORY
Dr. Georges said swiftly rising numbers are prompting predictions that a variant may be present here.
“The unprecedented rise in infections is uncharacteristic of previous outbreaks in the Territory. Therefore, concern needs to be given to identifying the variants of COVID-19 circulating in the Territory. Samples have been packaged and are awaiting delivery through the Regional Security Service to be transported to CARPHA for typing on Wednesday, 7th July 2021.”
“Discussions have also been ongoing with the Public Health England, United Kingdom for alternate arrangements for expediting the typing of specimens to determine the circulating variants in the Territory,” the top doctor added.
New strains have proved to be far more transmissible than the original coronavirus that first emerged in China in late 2019. As of June 25th, 2021, 27 covid-19 samples had tested positive for the highly contagious U.K. strain in preliminary results just across the border in the USVI.
21.4% OF CASES ARE VACCINATED
Within his statement Dr. Georges indicated that ten (10) are located on vessels, two (2) on Anegada, 452 on Tortola, eight (8) on Virgin Gorda, and six (6) on Jost Van Dyke. The sex distribution of cases is currently 43 percent male and 56 percent female. Fifty (50) percent of cases are unvaccinated, 11.4 percent are partially vaccinated, 21.4 are fully vaccinated, and 16.53 percent are not recorded/to be determined.
He implored residents of the BVI to take advantage of the opportunity to be immunized with the vaccine.
“I therefore want to again encourage persons to seek to be reliably informed and avail themselves of all of the current opportunities to be vaccinated and be vigilant for signs of COVID-19 which include headache, runny nose, nasal congestion, fever, dry cough, muscle aches, vomiting, loss of taste, smell or appetite.”
If you or your loved ones are experiencing any signs or symptoms contact the Public Health Unit at 468-4936, 468-2274, or 468-2285 or the Medical Hotline at 852-7650 immediately.