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Possible 1,482 undocumented COVID-19 cases in VI - Hon Malone

- said recent spike in infections just the 'tip of the iceberg'
Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Carvin Malone (AL) has revealed a worrying synopsis of the COVID-19 situation in the Virgin Islands (VI) announcing that the recent spike in cases may be just the beginning. Photo: GIS/Facebook
So far, authorities have confirmed 47 COVID-19 cases to date with some 38 active currently as of September 1, 2020, Hon Carvin Malone detailed. Photo: Internet Source
So far, authorities have confirmed 47 COVID-19 cases to date with some 38 active currently as of September 1, 2020, Hon Carvin Malone detailed. Photo: Internet Source
Road Town, Tortola. So far, confirmed COVID-19 cases have mainly been discovered on Tortola, in Huntum’s Ghut, Lower Estate, Long Bush, Cane Garden Bay, Hannah’s, Purcell Estate, Fat Hog’s Bay, Sea Cow’s Bay, Lambert’s Estate, and Road Town communities. Photo: VINO/File
Road Town, Tortola. So far, confirmed COVID-19 cases have mainly been discovered on Tortola, in Huntum’s Ghut, Lower Estate, Long Bush, Cane Garden Bay, Hannah’s, Purcell Estate, Fat Hog’s Bay, Sea Cow’s Bay, Lambert’s Estate, and Road Town communities. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Carvin Malone (AL) has revealed a worrying synopsis of the COVID-19 situation in the Virgin Islands (VI), announcing that the recent spike in cases may be just the beginning.

"We believe that we are seeing the tip of the iceberg and there are more person possibility infected in the population who are asymptomatic and can readily spread the disease. Which means that we may have many undocumented cases of who are transmitting the virus," he said during a September 1, 2020, COVID-19 update.

Large number of cases may be unreported - Hon Malone 

So far, authorities have confirmed 47 COVID-19 cases to date with some 38 active currently as of September 1, 2020, Hon Malone detailed. 

"While we don’t exactly know how much spread is caused by our asymptomatic group, current estimates place our undocumented cases at approximately 1, 482 persons at a minimum," the Minister said.

He warned that while many persons may have mild disease, others will be severely affected and may require the usage of one of only 8 fully equipped ventilators.

So far, confirmed cases have mainly been discovered on Tortola, in Huntum’s Ghut, Lower Estate, Long Bush, Cane Garden Bay, Hannah’s, Purcell Estate, Fat Hog’s Bay, Sea Cows Bay, Lambert’s Estate, and Road Town communities.

Hospitalised cases contracted virus from contacts 

Hon Malone also revealed that the 2 cases that are currently hospitalised, did not contract COVID-19 in the nightclub or bar, but were from primary contacts who engaged in mass gathering.

"Then there are others who unwittingly contracted it through household contact or work colleagues."

He said the Territory moved from 8 positive cases on May 28, 2020, to now 47 confirmed positive cases as at August 31, 2020, with August having the most cases than any other month.

"While we encourage the requisite public health measures, there exists an unwelcomed level of unacceptable social behaviour and suspected criminal activities that have contributed or may have allowed the outbreak to re-emerge, with substantial new infections and consequences."

Lockdown & contact tracing 

The Territory has since been placed on a 14-day hard lockdown from 1:01 pm to 5:00 am daily, as a step to prevent the movement of people in support of robust contract tracing.

"While it is clear that a 24-hour lockdown would have been a preferred effective approach to interrupting and limiting the spread of the virus, our pandemic response takes a balanced view of the social and economic implications of such far-reaching measures," Hon Malone said.

41 Responses to “Possible 1,482 undocumented COVID-19 cases in VI - Hon Malone”

  • Bull (02/09/2020, 13:19) Like (22) Dislike (13) Reply
    32 people are showing no signs and only 2 out of the 6 need to be in hospital for uderlying health conditions. Now close contact with 5 people talking laughing, shouting together getting on a small boat, getting into taxis chatting to neighbours cause ZERO infections thats a big ZERO.
    These numbers are to scare people to follow protocols just like the premier threating a 24hr lockdown and now everyone happy they get out to 1pm, its about controlling the masses and now the CDC has seen this stupid press conference.....
    • Jones (03/09/2020, 17:06) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      The church has been exercising these kinds of scare tactics for centuries, yet all the sheep still follow this man made religion
  • Assumption / Speculation (02/09/2020, 13:29) Like (46) Dislike (2) Reply
    Mr. Good Minister. I am so sorry to say, U cannot come on the news to inform the nation on assumptions and what you believe...Suppose its not so?.. U need proof. This can cause unnecessary fear and mental stress....
    • @Assumption / Speculation (02/09/2020, 16:43) Like (13) Dislike (2) Reply
      But that’s the plan how else can they continue doing what they are doing ?
    • facts (02/09/2020, 20:57) Like (10) Dislike (2) Reply
      I agree! Be careful with your words sir. The international community will bury us in negative publicity based on something that has not been proven.
    • judge (03/09/2020, 09:15) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      Judgment Judgment...where is your good judgment Minister? why announce this nonsense at this timeeee???
  • Stop it.. (02/09/2020, 13:32) Like (38) Dislike (6) Reply
    Seems like you are not happy the present curfew. U still pushing for 24 hr lock down with your unfounded claims...
  • Ghost (02/09/2020, 13:33) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hmmn...Lord I pray not.. curious though as to how he came up with this “potential number“.
  • NICK (02/09/2020, 13:49) Like (19) Dislike (1) Reply
    They keep saying that they only have eight ventilators.why dont they get more venilators?.they spending money like crazy on other things,what the point to have 30 cubans if you dont have more ventilators?
    • Lucifer (02/09/2020, 15:38) Like (25) Dislike (0) Reply
      Because it is more important to spend the money having some half dead palm trees lining the streets of Road Town. The government just need to find one of their relatives who can hook them up with ventilators and the contract will be signed in no time.
    • 1st District (02/09/2020, 19:12) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
      NO, THE SAME WHO, WHO GIVING THEM ORDERS TO MESS WITH US PSYCHOLOGICALLY SHOULD BE FUNDING THE TOOLS OR EQUIPMENT FOR THEIR BOGUS GAME. AND BETTER YET, THE MONEY THE WHO GIVE THEM THEY NEED TO SPEND IT!! THEM NEED TO STOP IT!!
  • blm (02/09/2020, 14:11) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    Absurd!!!!
  • tretretrete (02/09/2020, 14:22) Like (5) Dislike (3) Reply
    U all suspected that a long time before hoping it go away. Playing politics
  • Outsider (02/09/2020, 14:30) Like (18) Dislike (4) Reply
    WHO who is linked to the UN is rolling out gender 21, 30 and we are complying to them. This is only the beginning. Look up on line the mission statement of the UNITED NATIONS and wake up!!
    • Ghost (02/09/2020, 15:07) Like (12) Dislike (4) Reply
      @ Outsider .. our of curiosity I looked the UN’s Mission statement dated Feb. 2020: United Nations mission statement is “the maintenance of international peace and security.” Eradicating conflicts across the globe is the pivotal duty of this organization.. And your point is???
      • Outsider (02/09/2020, 19:20) Like (4) Dislike (7) Reply
        Go read 1984 by George Orwell and the New World Order and suit yourself
    • @Outside (02/09/2020, 16:57) Like (8) Dislike (8) Reply
      Let the people feel comfortable living in the lies, just tell them to keep that same energy when things get turnt up... I’m done talking to people, it’s too late can’t stop what’s coming
  • tretretrete (02/09/2020, 14:36) Like (7) Dislike (11) Reply
    Tortola people figth against there own ...that why the expat behave how there do
    • Honest question. (03/09/2020, 12:01) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Really not sure what you are trying to say.
      I get all politics are local but please explain the ex-pat behavior you are referring to?

      Sincerely,

      Confused ex-pat
  • @hmmm (02/09/2020, 14:38) Like (1) Dislike (5) Reply
    So rigth thst why nothing cant go rigth virus go kill them all good bad and ugly
  • A hot mess (02/09/2020, 14:54) Like (23) Dislike (0) Reply
    My child and I went for testing last Thursday... still can't get our results. Calling everyday and they still don't have it or don't even bother to answer the phone. No guidance on what we should or shouldn't be doing. When we call they don't seem concerned. I do not think we have it but we got tested just incase as we live in the affected areas. Everyone is extremely polite however the entire system lacks efficiency and a real shit show. I had three identical phone calls with three different persons just to schedule the test. Neither of them knowing what the other had did. You shouldn't tell people to call in 24-48hrs if that isn't the case. Get it together BVI. People aren't going to quarantine themselves if they do not have symptoms. So if you let people know in 24-48hrs that they are positive they know to quarantine. But if you let it go a week or more without letting asymptomatic people know they are going to go about their business as if they do not have it. Especially if you can't be bothered to get them their results and they feel fine. People are doing what you asked and getting tested... but you aren't providing results what are they supposed to do??
    • archie (02/09/2020, 23:04) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      I guess if you had a positive result they would of call you to let you know stay safe
    • do you know (03/09/2020, 17:38) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      @ A hot Mess:The result do not come back in 24hrs or 48hrs. All you have to do is continue to social distance wear your mask in public
  • island people (02/09/2020, 15:35) Like (1) Dislike (18) Reply
    Waite for it.
    • K (02/09/2020, 16:01) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply

      Shame on you idiot. We were in the middle of a crisis and you are blogging sh*t.

  • any bets (02/09/2020, 16:00) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    95% of them only have slight flu......lol
  • Hmm (02/09/2020, 16:02) Like (3) Dislike (11) Reply
    I called to get tested and can’t even get a appointment
  • Immigration (02/09/2020, 16:59) Like (15) Dislike (11) Reply
    now is a good time to payoff all expatriates for all their hard work to develop the bvi and send them home,with all their severence pay,pension and gratuity.
    for so many years you show off on expats,about bvi nice,bvi is like heaven,bvi good this bvi good that,now bvi ready to close down.
    selfish mentality plague us for years,racism,hate for expats and on on on..
    covid dont belong to the bvi,dem say it from china,deport covid right now,it ent barn here.
  • Wise Down (02/09/2020, 18:14) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    More like....it ent BAHHHNNNNNNN HEY! as they say
  • To Businesses (02/09/2020, 20:12) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Please DO NOT OPEN if you’re not on the Curfew Order list of essential businesses.

    Try closing at 12 pm / 12 noon (same difference) to allow customers time to get home by 1pm.

    If you do not have approved passes for your staff to work between 1pm and 5am, remember to allow staff sufficient time to get home.
  • Poor millionaire (02/09/2020, 20:26) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    ,@ wise down. You are correct. It's not borne here. It was created in a lab like all the other diseases and viruses... Stay focused and keep your third eye open...
  • fake (02/09/2020, 21:28) Like (9) Dislike (3) Reply
    Corona Virus is fake . How could you have a deadly virus in your body and not getting any symptoms. Stop lying to us. It's flu season. They named the flu Corona to scare us off and obey their laws. Don't take the vaccine!
  • Not Right (02/09/2020, 22:22) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
    Very irresistible of the minister to be guessing with absolutely no clue of what he is saying.
  • Lb (03/09/2020, 06:36) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    The world infection rate of covid-19 is.003%. The mortality rate is 4% of that.

    So in a population of 30,000 people, we can expect between 90-100 persons to get infected. Of course this number flexes based on our unique elements like proximity of population to each other, weather, overall community health etc. So how they come up with 1500 potentially infected? 5% infection rate is found no where else in the world! Chile has the world's highest infection rate at.019%

    So how our government come up with a whopping guess of 5%? I guess we all just dumb and supposed to take whatever they spit out.

    There is a different between Legislators (pass laws) and Leaders (inspire confidence in the masses).

    Oh, in case you were wondering and bad at math, a 4% mortality rate means that we can expect 3.6 to 4 persons to die from covid-19 in the BVI.
  • Hmm (03/09/2020, 07:23) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    By looking at the symptoms, it seems like your just getting a cold. Open up the place. All Governments trying to crash the economy to bring in a cashless system. There were videos on YouTube with doctors saying Corona is not real. Youtube has now deleted those videos. The ventilators is killing people not Corona. Hospitals getting paid thousands to say a person die from Covid. Wake up people!!! It's just a flu. Flu comes and goes every year common wake up. They have us like clowns wearing these mask. Soon it will be no vaccine no service. Put a stop to this mess
    • YouTube (03/09/2020, 12:34) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      Yes it is a Flu... now google what influenza did when it first turned up, before it became a heard immune seasonal virus.
      Also... if it is fake... go to Atlanta with your grandparents, behave like you write and keep us posted.
      • Sleeping sheep (03/09/2020, 13:53) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
        Are you in Atlanta?? We're in the BVI where no one is dying from Corona. So many cases popping up and you know one single person who has it. How can you have a deadly virus in you and you don't know??? If you can catch it by me sneezing or coughing on you, Why push the swap up your nose hole. Why cant they test you by using your Saliva Sample? Wake Up! Sleeping Sheeppp. They have an Agenda behind all of this. Have us locked in our homes, bringing strict laws for not wearing a mask. The mask are useless, Dr Fauci said so.
        • okay (03/09/2020, 18:01) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
          The same way you can live with HIV, HTLV, Syphilis for years and not know it
          • Really (04/09/2020, 08:38) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
            You will know you have it, you get symptoms like losing weight!! Wake up!!
  • Not Impressed (03/09/2020, 09:44) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Some of those environmental health inspectors going to business places need to be taught customer service skills. The ill position gone to dem head.

    Shameful performance.
  • Oh please... (03/09/2020, 12:53) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    The government was the best thing since sliced bread 2 weeks ago. The lock-down strategy worked, right up until illegal entry by nearby Islands poisoned us and those caught should be punished to the full extent of the law.
    We are still one of the best countries in the world dealing with this. Just be thankful you are not in the USA and keep your sh#t together. ffs
    ps. He should not be spreading assumptions regardless. Irresponsible.


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