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The number of reported deaths related to the coronavirus in the U.S. Virgin Islands climbed to 90 on Tuesday following an announcement from the V.I. Dept. of Health.
"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 ninetieth death related to Covid-19. The deceased is an 84-year-old female on St. Thomas," D.O.H. made known.
Elsewhere, the department issued a release explaining to the community Covid-19 testing recommendations, isolation and quarantine procedures. The explainer comes as the Omicron variant of Covid-19 has led to the highest level of infection in the territory, leading thousands of Virgin Islanders to seek tests.
Below, D.O.H.'s explanation on the procedures:
Individuals who are sick or have been exposed to someone with Covid-19 should call the Epidemiology hotline to schedule an appointment for a Covid-19 test. The hotline is open 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. at (340) 712-6299 OR (340) 776-1519.
Appointments also be scheduled online at covid19usvi.com/testing. The Covid-19 website also has a listing of other providers throughout the territory that offer Covid-19 testing.
Individuals who test positive for Covid-19, whether exhibiting symptoms or not exhibiting symptoms, are to isolate for 10 days.
Individuals who test positive for Covid-19 should not leave isolation to retest. Anyone waiting for results from the Department of Health’s drive-thru testing site should remain at home and not return to the testing site for any reason.
Individuals who have been identified as close contacts of someone who tested positive for Covid-19 should not go to work, events, grocery stores, or anywhere in public—including airplanes. If someone is sick or has been identified as a close contact of someone diagnosed with Covid-19 they should remain in quarantine for at least 5 days while they wait to test for Covid-19. If they test positive for Covid-19, they are to isolate as instructed.
If a fully vaccinated individual is exposed to someone confirmed to have Covid-19, they may return to work after quarantining for 5 days and get tested if symptoms develop. If symptoms do not develop, they should return to their normal activities and continue to wear a mask over their nose and mouth.
If an individual who is not fully vaccinated has been exposed to someone confirmed to have Covid-19, they are instructed to quarantine for 10 days and test on day 7 of exposure.
Drive-thru testing at the Charles Harwood Complex and the Schneider Regional Medical Center will continue with pre-scheduled testing (appointments required) from 9:30 to 12 p.m. and popup testing (no appointments required) from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. On St. John, pop-up testing is on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 12 to 3 p.m. at the Port Authority Gravel Lot.
Pre-registration is strongly encouraged. Please visit covid19usvi.com/testing for more information.
