The active positive COVID-19 cases in the British Virgin Islands have taken a significant leap with a total of 70 new cases recorded over a three-day period and 1 death, which brings the total known active cases in the territory to 77 as of December 13.
This is according to the Minister for Health and Social Development Carvin Malone, who made the disclosure during a virtual session of the House of Assembly earlier today, Tuesday December 14.
The minister was updating the Members of the House of Assembly on the present COVID-19 situation in the BVI.
He said, “Here at home, a total of 26 new positive COVID-19 cases were reported on December 10th. Since that date, an additional 44 COVID-19 cases have been recorded, with 7 new recoveries. Of the total 90,257 samples that were processed by the Dr. D Orlando Smith Hospital Laboratory representing some 84,691 individuals. This was done since the beginning of the pandemic. As of December 13th, 77 active cases of COVID were currently in the territory.”
Investigations ongoing to determine COVID’s relation to death
Minister Malone also revealed that there was another COVID-19 related death in the BVI, but said investigations were still ongoing to confirm whether COVID played a role in the passing of the deceased.
“1 additional has been reported, which now moves the reported COVID-19 related deaths to 39. The last death while occurring in a person who was COVID positive, determination continues to the specific role that COVID may have played in this death,” he stated.
Bulk of cases on Tortola
The health minister also said that the bulk of the positive COVID-19 cases are on the mainland of Tortola.
He said, “The current spread of cases is three on Anegada, 68 on Tortola and six on Virgin Gorda. 27 cases were diagnosed on travel screening and 33 local cases and 15 contacts of cases. This represents a significant increase of cases over the last several days.”
Minister Malone said the government has clearly recognised the need to balance lives with livelihoods as the BVI continues to coexist with COVID-19 going into the festive season.
He therefore reiterated the importance of persons getting vaccinated as it is the only proven means that helps to prevent persons from being severely ill when contracting the COVID-19 virus.