The active positive COVID-19 cases continue to be on the rise in the British Virgin Islands, rising from the previously announced 77 now to a total of 90 as of today Thursday December 16.
This was announced by Minister for Health and Social Development Carvin Malone, during a press conference held earlier this afternoon, following the arrival of some 4680 Pfizer vaccines and 2000 AstraZeneca vaccines in the BVI.
He said, “As of today December 16 the Virgin Islands has recorded a total of 2922 positive cases, including 117 tests that were conducted today. Of the cases recorded, there are 2793 recoveries, 39 deaths and I am reporting that there is a rising total. So today, there are 90 positive cases. Indeed we are not out of the woods and ladies and gentlemen I encourage you to remain vigilant.”
COVID cases on the rise regionally
Minister Malone also said that the Caribbean Public Health Agency has warned regional governments that the increase of more positive cases will continue across the region as the risk of further cases are very high.
According to the agency, regional governments should now place emphasis on heightening their COVID-19 suppression measures to prevent major spreads from occurring.
Malone reminded residents of the recent spike in July this year and encouraged residents to adhere to all of the COVID-19 protocols to prevent the recurrence of that horrid period.
“Here at home I feel the need to remind you about the surge we had back in July that claimed the lives of 38 of our families and friends and our loved ones. We do not want another situation like that to default us. We are in the midst of the holiday season and traditionally it is a time filled with mass gatherings, love, laughter and close contact. But these are not normal times,” Malone stated.
He added, “We are not in a normal situation and therefore we cannot proceed as normal. We have to follow the public health protocols that have been guiding us almost over these past two years. Let us not stray away from that.”
Delta and Mu variants detected in the BVI
In the meantime, Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ronald Georges confirmed that the Delta and Mu variants of the COVID-19 virus have been detected in the territory.
He said samples of the positive cases continue to be sent to the CARPHA facility to be tested for the new Omicron variant and any other variants of interest.
Dr. Georges encouraged residents to continue to seek vaccination and warned those who present any symptoms to isolate between 7-10 days after the first symptom and seek testing to confirm whether the COVID-19 virus is present within their system.