The British Virgin Islands has recorded 7 additional COVID-related deaths with two reportedly below the age of 50.
This was confirmed in a media release from the Ministry of Health dated Monday February 7, which said the new total COVID-related death toll in the territory now stands at 58.
This is an increase from the 51 which was published in a January 31 epidemiological summary.
Despite an increase of seven, the latest release from the ministry only provided information for five of the seven latest casualties.
According to the ministry the five deaths were recorded between January 13 and 16 and confirmed to be COVID related following investigations.
“The deceased are a 46-year-old female who died on January 23, an 84-year-old male who died on January 14, a 59-year-old male who also died on January 14, a 93-year-old female who died on January 15 and a 30-year-old male who died on January 16. This brings the death as a result of COVID to 58,” the release stated.
Acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Ronald Georges, said the five additional deaths met the World Health Organization’s criteria for deaths ascribed to COVID-19.
He assured the public that all necessary precautions to safeguard the community were taken as the team at the Dr. D Orlando Smith Hospital has been advised to treat all COVID deaths as infectious.
Dr. Georges also shared that the analysis conducted by the Chief of Medical Staff Office was critical in determining whether COVID-19 played a role in each of the recent deaths that occurred at home.
He said the objective was to determine whether COVID was a contributory factor or an incidental factor, and was necessary for reporting purposes.
The Acting CMO therefore encouraged persons who may be affected by COVID to seek medical care early, especially if experiencing severe symptoms.
He also warned of the dangers associated with treating oneself at home.