The number of active positive COVID-19 cases in the British Virgin Islands continue to be on the decline with the total cases now standing at 30.
This is according to the Minister for Health Carvin Malone who made the announcement during a VIP Lets Talk radio programme last night.
He said the active numbers had seen a further decline from 47 cases announced on Monday September 20.
“Today, we’ve had some updated numbers and I’m pleased to report that of the 81,393 samples that we have conducted at the Dr. D Orlando Smith Hospital, 2681 it was that was declared positive and we’ve had 17 net recoveries. So, 2614 persons have now recovered. There were 37 unfortunate deaths that we’ve had so we now have 30 active cases,” he stated.
The minister added, “This is down from the 47 that were reported even as late as yesterday. Four of these cases were discovered on the entry protocols for day 0, 7 and 14 and the other 26 are cases that exist here in the territory.”
Majority of cases on VG
Malone further detailed the epidemiological data regarding the location of the cases, which confirmed that the majority are now on the sister island of Virgin Gorda.
He said, “So we have to be mindful as I said because we have a situation where the records are showing that 13 of these cases are reported on the island of Tortola and 17 reported on the sister island of Virgin Gorda. So, we have a number of situations that are developing… So even of those 34 that reported before the incubation period is between 10 and 14 days, so we still have to be mindful of what it is we are doing.”
Concern on number of local cases
The health minister had expressed on Monday a major concern among health professionals with the high percentage of locals who were detected among the total active positive cases.
At the time of his announcement, the active cases stood at 47, with 35 of those cases being locals within the communities.
“It is these new cases that are of concern to our public health professionals. COVID-19 cases have now been reported in our schools, health care facilities, government departments, statutory bodies and private companies. Each time new cases are discovered our public health team must decide on mitigating measures to lessen the likelihood of the virus being transmitted throughout the organisation and the wider community,” he expressed.
The minister therefore urged residents to seek vaccination as it is the only proven procedure to assist with minimizing the impact of the COVID-19 virus.