On Monday March 29th in a Facebook post Director of Davis Funeral, one of the territory’s primary Funeral Homes Mr. Robert Wright issued a statement informing the public that they will be closed until Tuesday April 6th.
His decision, as a result of a recent publication from the Government of the Virgin Islands issued on Sunday March 28th, informing the public of exposure at a recent funeral held at the Sea Cow Bay Methodist Church on Saturday March 27th. The Government publication read, “Ministry of Health Officials are notifying the public that a person who tested positive for COVID-19 attended a funeral held on Saturday March 27th, 2021 at the Sea Cow’s Bay Methodist Church. All persons who attended the funeral should isolate for 10 days and contact the Public Health Unit from Monday, 29th March, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to schedule your test. There is no payment associated with testing.”
The statement by Davis Funeral Home director read, “I have heard on more than one occasion that we at the funeral home are considered essential workers. At the time of writing I have heard nothing from the department of Health or anyone in an official capacity except from the press release that went out to the general public. That being the case I feel that it is now upon me as the business owner to take a responsible position in spite of the limited knowledge that I have. From now until next Tuesday Davis Funeral home will be closed to the public with all business conducted over the phone or via zoom etc.”
He continued, “All our employees who were in the funeral home after last Thursday night, anytime Friday, at Saturday’s funeral or at the gravesite have been informed of what is known and instructed to isolate and test. Although I as an employer cannot legally force anyone to comply ALL have been informed.”
As it pertains to the daily operations of the morgue, Wright said, “I will be going down daily to check the morgue/freezer during these times. I will be alone from house to car to company.”
He also indicated that a funeral scheduled for this coming Saturday has been postponed.
To date, Health officials have remained tightlipped on the situation, not confirming that the person in question had allegedly received a letter confirming his negative test result and that this was possibly a case of a false negative or whether this was a breach in quarantine which is what is being portrayed to the public. More to come on this story