It has also been revealed that two tourists, who were cleared from quarantine with negative test results, tested positive on their exit screening, Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Carvin Malone (AL) stated in a COVID-19 update on January 7, 2021.

It has also been revealed that two tourists, who were cleared from quarantine with negative test results, tested positive on their exit screening, Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Carvin Malone (AL) stated in a COVID-19 update on January 7, 2021

One person hospitalised

According to Hon Malone, there are now 18 active COVID-19 cases in the Virgin Islands and one of the persons is currently hospitalised at Dr D. Orlando Smith Hospital.

Of the 18 active cases, 5 are located on Tortola, 12 on Virgin Gorda and one on a marine vessel.

“There are 6 persons among the active numbers that are ordinarily residents in this territory. The remaining 12 are all visitors,” Hon Malone stated.

He said the person presently hospitalised at Dr D. Orlando Smith Hospital is not in critical condition and is responding well to treatment.

Community transmission?

Hon Malone said the Ministry of Health and Social Development is currently investigating 2 persons of interest from among the active cases.

“Both of these persons tested negative and were cleared from quarantine on Day 4 but subsequently tested positive during their exit screening that was required for departure. Both individuals and their contacts are under secured mandatory 14-day quarantine and subjected to testing as directed by the protocols,” Hon Malone stated.

He added that, to date, one of the persons of interest has three contacts that have tested positive for COVID-19 while others are scheduled for testing at the most appropriate time to detect the presence of the virus.

“It is also important to note that one of the persons of interest visited a number of establishments on Virgin Gorda and after an aggressive contact tracing exercise most of the close contacts have been identified, interviewed, quarantined and are being monitored.”

The Ministry, Hon Malone, announced, has reviewed each establishment and have determined that they are in full compliance with the appropriate protocols.

Testing

As an extra layer of security “aimed at easing the minds” of patrons and the general public, the Ministry of Health is asking persons who attended the New Year’s Party at CocoMaya Restaurant between the hours of 10:00pm and 1:00Am to call the Ministry of Health on 468-2274 or 468-4936 or email covid19.virginislands@gmail.com to schedule a COVID-19 RT PCR test.

“This request is for everyone who was in attendance whether they live on Virgin Gorda or other islands.”

Testing will be made available on Virgin Gorda at the Anglican Church Hall from 10:00am to 12noon and at the Dr D. Orlando Smith Hospital tent between 12noon and 2:00pm from today, Friday, January 8, 2021 through Sunday, January 10, 2021.

Persons are urged to call or email to schedule their time for testing to prevent overcrowding at testing sites.

With the new positive cases reported, the VI has now recorded a total 114 cases of COVID-19. 95 persons have recovered from the virus and there was one death.