BVI’s COVID death toll climbs to 58
The following is a media release from the Ministry of Health. The public is reminded to take every precaution to remain safe as COVID-19 is still present in the Virgin Islands, as in the rest of the world.
The Ministry of Health and Social Development is informing the public that the team at the BVI Health Services Authority, Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital, has advised that between 13th and 16th January, five additional deaths were confirmed to be COVID related after investigation.
According to Acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Ronald Georges, the hospital has confirmed that five additional deaths met the World Health Organisation’s criteria for deaths ascribed to COVID-19. 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.
Dr. Georges advised that the team at the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital treat all COVID deaths as infectious and that all necessary precautions to safeguard the community were taken.
He 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 deaths that occurred at home. The objective was to determine whether COVID was a contributory factor or an incidental factor, and for reporting purposes.
Dr. Georges is reminding persons who may be affected by COVID-19 to ensure that they do seek care early if they are ill and do not try to treat themselves at home especially if they are experiencing prolonged fever, breathing difficulties or any severe symptoms.
Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Carvin Malone offered his condolences to the bereaved families on behalf of the Government of the Virgin Islands.
The Ministry of Health and Social Development is reminding the public to continue to adhere to public health measures. Additionally, elderly, immunocompromised and other vulnerable persons should avail themselves of opportunities to be vaccinated. Everyone is reminded to continue to do their part to reduce the risk of the severe impacts of COVID by getting vaccinated or boosted, washing and/or sanitising your hands, wearing masks properly, physically distancing and covering coughs and sneezes regardless of your vaccination status.
The Government of the Virgin Islands is committed to improving the health and well-being of the people of the Territory.
According to Acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Ronald Georges, the hospital has confirmed that five additional deaths met the World Health Organisation’s criteria for deaths ascribed to COVID-19. 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.
Dr. Georges advised that the team at the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital treat all COVID deaths as infectious and that all necessary precautions to safeguard the community were taken.
He 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 deaths that occurred at home. The objective was to determine whether COVID was a contributory factor or an incidental factor, and for reporting purposes.
Dr. Georges is reminding persons who may be affected by COVID-19 to ensure that they do seek care early if they are ill and do not try to treat themselves at home especially if they are experiencing prolonged fever, breathing difficulties or any severe symptoms.
Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Carvin Malone offered his condolences to the bereaved families on behalf of the Government of the Virgin Islands.
The Ministry of Health and Social Development is reminding the public to continue to adhere to public health measures. Additionally, elderly, immunocompromised and other vulnerable persons should avail themselves of opportunities to be vaccinated. Everyone is reminded to continue to do their part to reduce the risk of the severe impacts of COVID by getting vaccinated or boosted, washing and/or sanitising your hands, wearing masks properly, physically distancing and covering coughs and sneezes regardless of your vaccination status.
The Government of the Virgin Islands is committed to improving the health and well-being of the people of the Territory.
