89.8% of VI could be infected 'if COVID-19 goes unchecked'- Hon Malone
The Territory so far has recorded just 3 confirmed cases of COVID-19.
High infection rates if virus left unchecked
'Countries like the British Virgin Islands with low numbers of confirmed COVID-19 cases should operate on the assumption that there may be a substantial amount of transmission in the Territory that remains undetected," Hon Malone said during an update on the Territory's COVID-19 enhanced response measures on Tuesday, March 31, 2020.
During the update it was announced that a new 14-day 'limited and managed' curfew will begin from 6:01am on Thusday, April 2, 2020.
According to Hon Malone, the Epidemiology Unit in the Territory has modelled the size of the Territory in relation to the possibilities of the virus spreading. "It is estimated that in 12-15 days 10.5% to 12% of the population would be affected by COVID-19 if it goes unchecked."
The Minister said that percentage could represent some 3,750 people, with the percentage rising to 89.8% of the population seeing infection in 90 days.
In order to limit the spread, early implementation of measures such as epidemic lockdowns, quarantine management and social distancing must come early in the outbreak phase he said.
Even before cases were confirmed in the Territory, the Government of the Virgin Islands had taken proactive measures to prevent the introduction and spread of the virus. Measures included screening at ports of entries, quarantining of persons, banning cruise calls to the Territory and closing of the borders.
More social distancing recommended
"Globally and regionally, evidence shows that when the virus is left unchecked, it infects people at an expediential rate. Each sick person can pass on to two or three others, who then spread it to the next two to three persons, such that a single case quickly leads to hundreds," Hon Malone noted as one of the justifications behind the new period of curfew.
The Minister encouraged people to continue social distancing and to do their part to prevent contracting the virus or community spread. "Social distancing dramatically slows the virus speed by reducing opportunities for people to infect others in face to face circumstances."
He said studies show when intervention such as social distancing was implemented in the forecast model for 15 days and a 95% reduction in social contact, there was an 85% reduction in COVID-19 infection rates.
Worldwide cases
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), as of 8:00am on April 1, 2020, some 783,360 have been infected with the virus across 205 countries, and 37, 203 persons have died.
The United States, with 163,199 infections, has the most number of COVID-19 cases across the world, followed by Italy (101,739 cases), Spain (85,195) and China (82,631).
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30 Responses to “89.8% of VI could be infected 'if COVID-19 goes unchecked'- Hon Malone”
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Thumbs down if you think the virus will decrease in the BVI.
breaking the law and you wont be in the company of others. Do you and stay healthy!
https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/columnist/2020/03/21/did-5-g-cause-coronavirus-covid-19-pandemic/2873731001/
THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC COULD IMPACT 5G DEPLOYMENT TIMELINES FOR NETWORK OPERATORS
https://www.businessinsider.com/coronavirus-could-delay-next-set-of-5g-standards-2020-3
CORONAVIRUS: 5G ‘CERTAINLY DELAYED’ IN EUROPE AND UK
https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-52108172
-My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge
garbage and the resulting cancer and asthmatic victims, how about water consistently in the pipes for all..it is a human right as outlined inthe United Nations, how about the mobile towers that are erected in close proximity to people homes...some of the urgent issues you need to get busy with,,,issues you can effect. Not a darn thing you can do about 5G..too late..those who survive 5G installation could get a worthhile internet service and telephone service as a result ,which the VI does not have.
No cajoling a d asking and asking for fine from a menace to society. Eliminate demm permanently.
The day time managed curfew is fine as it is as it only allows the essential services to open. Ensure all other businesses are locked down and we stop people from loitering or liming on the streets. They must be only out for a purpose.
I feel a lack of energy, worry, anxiety and very little enthusiasm, just as I did for the months following Sept 6th 2017, apparently this feeling is when the body goes into flight or fight mode and all perfectly normal. Not easy for family's with children schooling, or single parent families, or families with no wifi....
Our Government is strong, proactive and Im proud of every step they are putting into place so far..
We need to secure the elderly, help the week to week paycheck people without discrimination-food banks are a great idea. Domestic violence is going to be prevalent so lets all keep an ear out.
Lets all leave our homes calm, loving people and respect each other.
We got this.