Concern | Large number of persons in barracks-style accommodation
Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Ronald Georges has voiced his concern over what he says is the large number of persons in “barracks-style accommodation”, causing easier transmission of COVID-19.
In a public statement at the weekend, Dr Georges said the type of accommodation he describes was behind a large cluster of cases associated with a local construction company on Virgin Gorda.
“To date, 29 persons have been detected to have COVID-19/coronavirus PCR results within the infectious range associated with one of the locations,” Dr Georges stated.
“The Ministry of Health continues to work closely with the company. Additionally, the Social Distancing Task Force, the Environmental Health Division, and the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force are also working together to ensure that all workers of the company are quarantined for the appropriate time and tested at the appropriate time to limit any further spread that may occur from this large cluster,” he added.
Anyone who has had contact with this group or any persons who develop symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 should immediately isolate and arrange for a PCR test by filling out the online symptom tracker at completing the government’s online symptom reporting form.
Meanwhile, outside of the aforementioned large cluster that has been detected, the CMO said the Ministry of Health also continues to detect “isolated cases and small clusters of cases” across the territory in recent weeks.
“These clusters have occurred in schools, daycares, private and Government offices, large and small companies and require continued vigilance,” Dr Georges stated.
He added: “All residents should therefore continue to remain vigilant by ensuring that they adhere to all public health measures, comply with any quarantine orders and instructions of public health officers, report any suspected instances of quarantine breaches to Public Health at 468 2274 or the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force at 311, avail themselves of opportunities for vaccination.
“To date, 29 persons have been detected to have COVID-19/coronavirus PCR results within the infectious range associated with one of the locations,” Dr Georges stated.
“The Ministry of Health continues to work closely with the company. Additionally, the Social Distancing Task Force, the Environmental Health Division, and the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force are also working together to ensure that all workers of the company are quarantined for the appropriate time and tested at the appropriate time to limit any further spread that may occur from this large cluster,” he added.
Anyone who has had contact with this group or any persons who develop symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 should immediately isolate and arrange for a PCR test by filling out the online symptom tracker at completing the government’s online symptom reporting form.
Meanwhile, outside of the aforementioned large cluster that has been detected, the CMO said the Ministry of Health also continues to detect “isolated cases and small clusters of cases” across the territory in recent weeks.
“These clusters have occurred in schools, daycares, private and Government offices, large and small companies and require continued vigilance,” Dr Georges stated.
He added: “All residents should therefore continue to remain vigilant by ensuring that they adhere to all public health measures, comply with any quarantine orders and instructions of public health officers, report any suspected instances of quarantine breaches to Public Health at 468 2274 or the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force at 311, avail themselves of opportunities for vaccination.
