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V.I. Department of Health Territorial Epidemiologist Esther Ellis has told the Consortium that the number of coronavirus cases announced Friday night — 13— represents an "outbreak," and residents should take guidelines put in place to help quell the spread of the virus seriously.
"If you take the tests that were run and the positives that we got today, it's over 14 percent positivity in one day. That's very concerning, and everybody should definitely keep the guidance, wear your masks, don't have big parties this weekend, stay home if you can," Dr. Ellis said. "If you're elderly and immune compromised, stay home. Have someone else do the shopping for you; this is the most amount of positives that we've ever gotten in a single day, so it's very concerning."
With the announcement of the new cases, D.O.H. is now tracking 29 individuals.
According to the latest D.O.H. infographic, of the 13 cases, 11 were recorded on St. Croix and two in St. Thomas.
As of Friday 3,173 tests were performed territory-wide, with 3,060 testing negative and 111 positive. D.O.H. has listed 76 individuals as recovered. There were only 2 tests pending.
Six individuals have died in the USVI, including a father, mother and son. Governor Albert Bryan said Thursday that two individuals were hospitalized: one at the Juan F. Luis Hospital and another at the Schneider Regional Medical Center. While both individuals were said to be in stable condition, Mr. Bryan said the individual at JFL was on a ventilator as of Thursday.
Possible Covid-19 Exposure at Divi Carina Bay Casino
In a letter addressed to Divi Carina Bay Casino management, Dr. Ellis said patrons and employees of the casino may have been exposed to the coronavirus during the evening of June 28.
"We notified everyone of the potential exposure and anybody that needs to get tested per that exposure can call the hotline and we'll set you up for the drive-thru testing," Dr. Ellis told the Consortium, confirming the letter.
The D.O.H. Covid-19 hotlines are 340-712-6299 or 340-776-1519.
