"After further investigating cause of death and ensuring notification of next of kin, the Virgin Islands Department of Health is saddened to confirm the territory’s one hundred and twenty-seventh (127th) death related to COVID-19. The deceased is an 83-year-old male on St Thomas," the department said in a statement.

Former Governor Roy Lester Schneider died Sunday in St. Thomas at age 83. The USVI Department of Health told the Consortium it would not say whether the former governor died because of Covid-19 complications, saying that it would leave it up to Dr Schneider's family to decide on making his health information public or keeping it private.

Dr Schneider was hospitalised last week before being discharged, the Consortium has learned.

Earlier this month DoH warned of rising Covid-19 cases and urged residents to continue practicing vigilance. “As our numbers are rising. I urge residents and visitors to once again follow the precautionary measures by practicing social distancing around persons with whom you do not reside, wearing a mask in crowded public areas, washing your hands often with soap and warm water, and by cleaning frequently used areas thoroughly," Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion said two weeks ago.

"Remember, wearing a mask is not mandatory, but it can keep you safe if you are unsure of your environment," she added.