During the receipt of the latest 2,000 doses of the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine donated by the United Kingdom on August 31, 2021, Hon Malone confirmed that the territory has 50 actives cases of the virus, up by 25 from the previous week.

Hon Malone also said hospitalisations are now at 10, up from as low as three.

“We are heading in the wrong direction at this time, so my advice to the general public is to be vigilant, the Coronavirus is real, it is detrimental,” he said.

Hon Malone reminded that the virus continues to close down economies around the world and that the VI needs to address the issue with all seriousness.

Hon Carvin Malone reminded that the virus continues to close economies around the world, as such, the VI needs to address the issue with all seriousness for the sake of its economy.

Increase in hospitalisations- Deputy Governor

Deputy Governor David D. Archer Jr said it remains unfortunate to see an increase in cases and hospitalisations. “We do not want that any longer,” he said.

Mr Archer encouraged persons to make taking the vaccine a priority, given its importance to the overall fight against the pandemic.

Meanwhile, the Health Minister added that the VI has done what is necessary in terms of the investments in the healthcare system to protect the public.

He said public compliance is now important.

Hon Malone said the sacrifices made by the government, the health teams, and the people of the territory mean the VI has to continue to do what is right and not let death be the only motivator for COVID-19 vaccinations.