Neighbouring USVI confirms first case of COVID-19
The neighbouring United States Virgin Islands (USVI) has confirmed its first case of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).
The USVI Health Department made the announcement on its official website at 8:15 pm on Friday, March 13.
“The territory’s first case is a resident with some recent international travel history to one of the five locations with widespread transmission of the disease,” the USVI Health Department said.
It said the current risk of transmission in the Virgin Islands “remains low for most residents, but precautions should still be taken to avoid transmission within the community’”.
“Within the Epidemiology division we are doing everything possible to flatten the epidemiological curve, which decreases the case load at any one time and allows healthcare facilities time and the ability to respond. If you are sick, it is critical that you stay home. We are urging the public to only go to the emergency room if you are in need of emergency care due to the severity of your illness,” said Territorial Epidemiologist for the USVI, Dr Esther Ellis.
“The territory’s first case is a resident with some recent international travel history to one of the five locations with widespread transmission of the disease,” the USVI Health Department said.
It said the current risk of transmission in the Virgin Islands “remains low for most residents, but precautions should still be taken to avoid transmission within the community’”.
“Within the Epidemiology division we are doing everything possible to flatten the epidemiological curve, which decreases the case load at any one time and allows healthcare facilities time and the ability to respond. If you are sick, it is critical that you stay home. We are urging the public to only go to the emergency room if you are in need of emergency care due to the severity of your illness,” said Territorial Epidemiologist for the USVI, Dr Esther Ellis.
