A COVID-19 bulletin issued on Wednesday showed that there were 275 active positive cases, but a new bulletin released one day later shows that there are now 357 cases in the territory.

While the total number of active positive cases on Tortola now stand at 287 while Virgin Gorda is said to have 69 reported cases. One person on board a vessel has also been reported as being COVID-19 positive. The number of persons hospitalised because of COVID remain at eight.

The rise in cases continues even as the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr Ronald Georges has expressed concern about the spate of large gatherings that have been taking place over the holidays.

“In the Virgin Islands, clusters of cases have been identified among businesses, related to social gatherings, events, nightspots and other areas where persons congregate,” Dr Georges said.

He urged that persons be intentional about taking the necessary precautions for their health and safety ‘during this period of increased transmission’.

“As we prepare to engage in the many family and social gatherings and enjoy the holiday season with our friends and families, let us remember that COVID-19 is still present amongst us,” the CMO stated.

Dr Georges further noted that while the main tools of control and suppression measures in the past have been curfews, business restrictions and lockdowns, government policy has moved away from these drastic measures as vaccination rates have increased to just over 60 percent.

He advised that health officials will be reviewing and advising the government on any necessary changes to their policies.