0
Covid-19 cases are growing in the USVI as Thanksgiving approaches and as infections continue to surge on the U.S. mainland. The V.I. Dept. of Health on Saturday reported 74 active cases, up from 66 a day earlier.
St. Thomas had 37 positive cases, followed by St. Croix with 31 and St. John with 6 active cases as of Saturday.
"Staying home is still the best way to protect yourself and others. Wear a mask to keep your nose and mouth covered when in public settings," the V.I. Dept. of Health continues to recommend. "Avoid close contact by staying at least six feet apart from anyone you do not live with. Wash your hands often with soap and warm water. Avoid contact with anyone who is sick, and avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth."
As cases continue to surge on the mainland, states are implementing more restrictive measures. Nearby Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory like the USVI, has mandated mask-wearing inside and outside establishments. And in its most urgent plea yet, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently urged Americans not to travel for Thanksgiving.
According to the Wall Street Journal, U.S. hospitalizations topped 83,000 as of Nov. 20, with some hospitals warning they were "reaching the edge of the knife." Daily U.S. infections dropped to 171,552 on Saturday, as the country surpassed 12 million infections. Over a quarter of a million Americans have died from Covid-19.
In the USVI, 23 people have died and a total of 1,504 people have tested positive for Covid-19. There were 70 tests pending as of Sunday, according to D.O.H. Over 25,900 people have tested negative for the virus in the territory.
Governor Albert Bryan will provide an update to residents on his administration's Covid-19 response Tuesday.
