The Bryan administration on Monday morning identified the first Virgin Islander to die from the coronavirus as an 85-year-old man from St. Thomas. The administration on Sunday morning announced the death, but did not provide further information such as age or district, nor did it make known whether the victim had an underlying condition.
Today, the Dept. of Health said the man had an underlying medical condition. "He unknowingly came into contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case that traveled to the island from Anguilla. He was not hospitalized at the time of his death and died at home," D.O.H. said.
“We are saddened by the news of the territory’s first confirmed COVID-19 death. On behalf of my staff at the Department of Health, I send my deepest condolences to the family of the deceased,” said Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion.
D.O.H. said while this death was not a result of community transmission, persons may come in contact with someone who is infected unbeknownst to them. "By avoiding contact with others, avoiding non-essential travel, and practicing good hand hygiene and other precautionary measures like social distancing, you can limit your risk of spreading and also acquiring this disease," D.O.H. said.
"Most confirmed cases are travel-related, so it is especially critical to self-quarantine after travel while monitoring your symptoms. During this self-monitoring period, it is important to avoid close contact with others including those you may live with. Even for non-travelers, it is paramount to understand the risk of transmission among those you may have close contact with. Physical distancing is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of exposure and transmission," the department said.
According to D.O.H., so far there have been 42 confirmed cases, 34 of whom have recovered, and 1 death. Currently there are 18 cases pending: 15 on St. Thomas, 3 on St. John and none on St. Croix, the department said, correcting confusing information that remained posted all of Sunday.
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