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The V.I. Dept. of Health on Friday confirmed the Covid-related death of a cruise passenger in St. Thomas, who died at the Schneider Regional Center.
"Recently a critically ill cruise ship passenger needed emergency care shortly before arriving in St. Thomas. Upon arrival the individual was taken to the Schneider Regional Medical Center but later succumbed to their illness. After verifying the visitor’s cause of death and ensuring notification of next of kin, the VIDOH is confirming the death was Covid-19 related. The VIDOH extends condolences to the family and friends of the departed," the department said in a release Friday.
The tourist was transported to the hospital from the WICO dock on Nov. 29, the Consortium has learned.
D.O.H. said that since the deceased did not contract Covid-19 in the territory, "and since there was no possibility of community spread, this visitor’s death will not be counted in the data that represents Covid-19 deaths acquired or transmitted within the Virgin Islands. For these reasons, the official Virgin Islands death toll from Covid-19 related illnesses remains at 125."
The department said it remains vigilant in its efforts to slow the spread of Covid-19 and continues to encourage the public to become fully vaccinated and boosted. "Residents are also urged to remember to follow all 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 cleaning frequently used areas thoroughly," stated the release.
