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The V.I. Dept. of Health on Monday announced the latest death in the USVI related to Covid-19, revealing that the victim was an 83-year-old St. Thomas male.
"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 V.I. Dept. 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 hospitalized last week before being discharged, the Consortium has learned.
Earlier this month D.O.H. 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."
There were 37 active Covid-19 cases territory-wide as of Monday: 21 on St. Croix, 15 on St. Thomas and 1 on St. John. The territory's 7-day positivity rate stood at 4.29 percent, according to D.O.H.
