COVID-19 cases are growing in the US Virgin Islands (USVI) as Thanksgiving approaches and as infections continue to surge on the US mainland. Photo: VIC

The [US] Virgin Islands Department of Health on Saturday, November 21, 2020, reported 74 active cases, up from 66 a day earlier.

St Thomas had 37 positive cases, followed by St Croix with 31 and St John with 6 active cases as of Saturday.

"Staying home is still the best way to protect yourself and others. Wear a mask to keep your nose and mouth covered when in public settings," the VI Department of Health continues to recommend. "Avoid close contact by staying at least six feet apart from anyone you do not live with. Wash your hands often with soap and warm water. Avoid contact with anyone who is sick, and avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth."

Americans urged not to travel for Thanksgiving

As cases continue to surge on the mainland, states are implementing more restrictive measures. Nearby Puerto Rico, a US territory like the USVI, has mandated mask-wearing inside and outside establishments. And in its most urgent plea yet, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently urged Americans not to travel for Thanksgiving, which is being observed on Thursday, November 26, 2020.

According to the Wall Street Journal, US hospitalisations topped 83,000 as of November 20, 2020, with some hospitals warning they were "reaching the edge of the knife."

Daily US infections dropped to 171,5552 on Saturday, as the country surpassed 12 million infections. Over a quarter of a million Americans have died from COVID-19.

In the USVI, 23 people have died and a total of 1,504 people have tested positive for COVID-19. There were 70 tests pending as of Sunday, according to DoH.

Over 25,900 people have tested negative for the virus in the territory.