The British Virgin Islands has turned a major corner in its coronavirus outbreak with a daily decrease in positive cases and record recoveries. This brings the territories’ tally of active covid-19 cases to 1,109.
The updated epidemiological records were announced by the Minister of Health and Social Development, Honorable Carvin Malone during a press update hosted by the Government earlier tonight.
“I would like to report that the total positive cases recorded to date, as of yesterday July 22nd will be 2,389 positive from when the pandemic started to now. We have recovered 1,255.”
“This is an increased recovery of 667 which means our total active positive cases have been reduced from 1600 to now 1,109. I had indicate, in the next few days if we follow the protocols that were established for your safety that this would begin to emerge,” Honorable Malone added.
The Health Minister also confirmed that the territory’s coronavirus death toll has risen to 25 persons.
32 PATIENTS HOSPITALIZED BETWEEN AGES 16-94 YEARS OLD
Acting Chief Executive Officer of BVI Health Services Authority, Mrs. Cedorene Malone-Smith revealed that of the 32 patients currently receiving medical care, two women are pregnant.
“As of today we have 32 patients in the hospital; 16 in the special care nursery, 6 in ER, 6 in ICU, 2 in the Behavioural Ward Unit and yes, 2 on the OB unit, so we have two moms-to-be who came in and they’re covid-positive and we’re managing that.”
While a record 25 persons have been discharged from the facility, Mrs. Malone-Smith further noted that Covid-19 is currently affecting residents of all ages and persons should consider vaccinating to protect surrounding children and the elderly.
“Our discharges to date have been 25. Our age ranges for admitted patients on the ground of the 32 is ages 16-94. So when we talk about vaccination, don’t do it for yourself. This is where you do it for your grandma at 94 years old. This is where you do it for your children like the 16 year old. Those folks are now in the hospital unvaccinated and positive.”
VACCINATIONS CONTINUE TERRITORY WIDE- 75% REQUIRED FOR HERD IMMUNITY SAYS MINISTER
The Government continues to push its vaccine imperative in hopes of achieving herd immunity.
Honorable Malone said over 53% of residents took their first jab but that number needs to be increased to 75% at the very least.
“We had a total of vaccines administered to date of 26,501. Those persons taking their first doses only, amounted to 16,033. Those taking first and second doses amounted to 11,112. This is important for us because we are trying to reach a 75 % or 80% threshold.”
“When we look at the 16,033, we are 53.4% where we need to be but the second doses which will come in the next few weeks would then bring it up to that level but we need to actually get to 75%,” added Honorable Malone.
The Health Minister further revealed that an additional 3,040 shots of the AstraZeneca vaccine will arrive in the BVI next Monday compliments of the United Kingdom. This will afford residents the opportunity to take the first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine.