Speaking during a live COVID-19 update this evening, April 29, 2020, Hon Malone said the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) is expected to receive additional supplies during the course of the week that will enable the Territory to “ramp up testing significantly.”

The Minister; however, did not state the quantity of supplies and where they were sourced.

“It is through extensive testing that we will be able to detect and contain any remaining cases of COVID-19, thereby minimising the risk of transmission in the Territory,” Hon Malone said.

The Virgin Islands has had 6 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 3 full recoveries and 1 death.

120 persons in total have been tested.

Latest samples return negative

Meanwhile, Hon Malone announced that all tests returned from the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) in Trinidad and Tobago this week were negative.

“Tonight I am pleased to say that over the course of this week, 27 samples were tested by CARPHA and all results were negative for the virus that causes COVID-19.”

Hon Malone said 9 additional samples are “pending” at the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) and will be sent to CARPHA shortly.