BVI COVID RATES CONTINUE TO SOAR

The British Virgin Islands continues to reel from a sudden surge in COVID-19 infections.

In the space of a few weeks total confirmed cases have sky-rocketed to over 2,200 with more than 1,600 active cases.

The fatality rates are also increasing, going from three COVID-related deaths since the start of the year to 23 by midweek.

To bring the worrying situation under the control the authorities are intensifying their vaccination drive and urging residents to comply with the current COVID-1 protocols. A curfew remains in place but further restrictions are likely to curb the community spread of the virus.

BVI Health Minister Carvin Malone said, “We need our people to do their part to safeguard themselves to help stop the transmission of this virus.”

 “This is a difficult time for all of us here in the Territory. We have never seen a situation like this unfold. I pray that God continues to grant us favour and mercy to see us through this very troubling time.”

He said the government has met with a team of over 45 doctors, who have pledged their support and they are also calling on active and retired nurses “at home or abroad to lend their services and support at this very important moment”.

Acting Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Ronald Georges, added, “Persons must take COVID-19 more seriously. I cannot stress this enough. Let us help to reduce the outbreak by limiting person to person contact. If you have been asked to quarantine or self-isolate do so. More importantly, adhere to the strict curfew order where all persons are to be indoors from 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. Persons are also reminded to wear masks; sanitise or wash hands; and stand six feet apart.”

The CMO further stated that all unvaccinated persons should get vaccinated. “Two jabs are better than one, and one jab is better than none,” he said.