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VI resident with no recent travel history tests positive for COVID-19

- Case #12 was experiencing moderate symptoms, according to Health Minister Hon Carvin Malone
Case #12 was presented at the emergency room after experiencing moderate symptoms – was subsequently admitted and is currently isolated and hospitalised at the Dr D Orlando Smith Hospital. Photo: VINO/File
A number of proactive steps have been taken to safeguard the institution and the community, including the suspension of visitation hours and privileges at the Dr D Orlando Smith Hospital. Photo: VINO/File
A number of proactive steps have been taken to safeguard the institution and the community, including the suspension of visitation hours and privileges at the Dr D Orlando Smith Hospital. Photo: VINO/File
Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Carvin Malone (AL) said while the individual is residing legally in the Virgin Islands the case does not have a history of recent travel out of or into the Territory. Photo: Facebook/File
Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Carvin Malone (AL) said while the individual is residing legally in the Virgin Islands the case does not have a history of recent travel out of or into the Territory. Photo: Facebook/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- A resident of the Virgin Islands with no recent travel history has tested positive for COVID-19, some 48 hours after two imported cases were announced.

“In fulfillment of our commitment to keep you fully informed, earlier today, Wednesday August 19th 2020, a new COVID-19 case was confirmed through laboratory testing, bringing the total number of positive cases detected in the BVI to twelve (12), Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Carvin Malone (AL) announced this evening.

Moderate symptoms

He said Case #12 was presented at the emergency room after experiencing moderate symptoms – was subsequently admitted and is currently isolated and hospitalised at the Dr D Orlando Smith Hospital.

“While the individual is residing legally in the Virgin Islands the case does not have a history of recent travel out of or into the Territory.”

Hon Malone said contact tracing and related investigations are currently being conducted by teams from the Ministry of Health, and the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA).

The VI no has three (3) active cases of COVID-19, with eight (8) recoveries and one (1) death recorded to date.

Hospital visitation hours suspended

Meanwhile, Hon Malone said a number of proactive steps have been taken to safeguard the institution and the community, including the suspension of visitation hours and privileges at the Dr D Orlando Smith Hospital.

All staff members coming into contact with the case has been traced and is being assessed and analysis is being conducted to determine the level of exposure by each contacted staff member.

Bars & nightclubs identified for contact tracing

The Health Minister added that the apartment building at which the case resides is being quarantined and aggressive contact tracing of all close contacts of the individual has commenced and is being accelerated.

“The bars and night clubs to which the individual has frequented has been identified and would be contacted for further contact tracing.

“As more information becomes available the public will be advised of any public health or other measures that may need to be put in place for your safety,” Hon Malone assured.

47 Responses to “VI resident with no recent travel history tests positive for COVID-19”

  • blame (19/08/2020, 23:06) Like (91) Dislike (8) Reply
    This community transmission is worrying. I blame those irresponsible, greedy and reckless people who have been smuggling persons into the BVI. Be careful, wear your masks, social distance and wash those hands.
    • To Blame (20/08/2020, 08:43) Like (7) Dislike (33) Reply
      And I strongly believe more people have/had the virus that we were not told about....in these kind of times you can't trust the government
  • next (19/08/2020, 23:24) Like (27) Dislike (9) Reply
    I hope he talks and say how he caught it worries help us lord have mercy
    • Dummy (20/08/2020, 11:46) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
      so you going around your daily business how you going know how you catch it. Who he catch it from ain't got no sign saying they covid positive. You too could got it and ain't know.
  • Ghut girl (19/08/2020, 23:26) Like (108) Dislike (30) Reply
    See ah few months ago they wanted to kill Andrew fahie for shutting everything down now the same set of wicked cockroaches going turn around and blame him

    We the people did the best thing by voting for VIP they are keeping us safe
    • I wonder. (20/08/2020, 00:44) Like (9) Dislike (13) Reply
      Another follow up test will show a negative result...We will be ok, no need for the fear...
    • @Ghut girl (20/08/2020, 01:56) Like (14) Dislike (74) Reply
      Enjoy him while he in there cause he ain’t getting another vote from me
    • @ ghut girl (20/08/2020, 07:16) Like (31) Dislike (6) Reply
      I agree 100 % you can’t please these fools Vip doing very good 4 more years
    • @Ghut girl (20/08/2020, 09:53) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      Feeling you on this. The wild untrained animals that was let out of their cages is the cause of the virus spreading. The wild animals need to be re caged until they are tamed.
    • Harrigan (20/08/2020, 17:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      That is so delusional it's almost funny. 12 people get Coronavirus in BVi and that's keeping us safe?
  • Mask off (20/08/2020, 00:00) Like (9) Dislike (25) Reply
    Nahh I’ll pass on the mask homie, I know better
  • Co Exist. (20/08/2020, 00:36) Like (20) Dislike (6) Reply
    Covid aint going no where we just have to put plans in place to be as safe as possible. Prepare to co exist, eliminate the fear..Keep the country moving foresrd...
    • The TRUTH (20/08/2020, 08:39) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      You can coexist with holes in your lungs, but me, I don't want to.
  • sleep (20/08/2020, 01:51) Like (10) Dislike (29) Reply
    Cavin go back in your bed and sleep because all now y'all can't say what scientific method y'all using to identify covid 19 from the other flues.
    • okay (20/08/2020, 05:45) Like (23) Dislike (0) Reply
      Dude you the one sleeping. Do little more reading or try honing your listening skills.
    • @Sleep (20/08/2020, 09:48) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
      I have to disagree with you, I will be the first to say, I don’t always agree with Carvin sometimes but, along with his staff, they are doing beyond the best that they can do. The blame is on the dumb A**es that want their cake and eat it at the same time. The blame is on the ones that is not social distancing, the ones that is out here in the clubs, the bars and the W**re houses up in each other’s faces spreading their germs.
  • Snacky (20/08/2020, 03:43) Like (50) Dislike (2) Reply
    Mr. Fahie did say that another lockdown would cripple us, BUT know this BVI if our cases do accelerate this govt will have no choice but to do just that; the least would be to close non-essential businesses like the USVI. Indeed I agree with Blame, the fault may very well lie with some of the crassly stupid and selfish people of the boating community who are smuggling hi-risk persons under the radar. Since this man lives here and showing symptoms now, we are talking roughly 14 plus days of unmonitored movement throughout the community. WOW!

    But to be honest, people have been chanting, "We don't have any cases in here, why have a curfew, etc.?" Then I have witnessed many people go into public places without washing their hands or wearing masks. My people, not to put you at unease, but this is what comfortable looks like. Curfew relaxed and more and more people not wearing masks. Check the club and the bars...not a mask in site. Bet some of you right now in a corner holding your head. Just try refrain from biting your nails though.

    You see we cannot tell who came in here legally and illegally because everyday you are seeing a new face around the place. Some people I have not seen in years! Some people for whatever reasons, only come out at night time. I cannot just very well call immigration or police on any of these people right?! How do we get around this loophole?
  • GREED (20/08/2020, 04:36) Like (36) Dislike (2) Reply
    They travelling all the time under the darkness,in and out of rock.weare our own enemy,
  • LockDown (20/08/2020, 05:47) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    Lock down lock out. Is it helping?? Every rules recently is going against expat, yet you have the borders breskers and you not implementing strict rules on them. I agree get all those fast boats off the water. We know this case of covid did not came through TB lettsome airport
  • oh boy (20/08/2020, 06:14) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    Let him or her speak the truth . Yes, any time You see some body that You believe is illegal in the country you can call an Immigration officer or Police Officer . At least there is one out of the bunch you can trust.
    It is only Greed, ignorance and Lawlessness causing this thing.
    • I sure will (20/08/2020, 13:40) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      I see a new face pop up or believe is illegal, I am dropping a dime to Immigration. They are also tricky, they stay hidden during the day and come out during the night when it is dark. Every day, illegals is being smuggled into this Country. Forgive me but if I stumble upon anyone smuggling anyone in, I am going to shoot the smuggler and who they are smuggling into the BVI.
  • WHAT!!! (20/08/2020, 06:15) Like (29) Dislike (0) Reply
    Bars and clubs full of fools with no mask or social distancing , rules ignored an not enforced by police what you expect
  • u (20/08/2020, 07:27) Like (5) Dislike (7) Reply
    @ snacky. You looking things to talk. Why you all just love to blame people. Some of those people who in quarantine their family members visit them.
    • @ U (20/08/2020, 09:00) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
      True in some cases. And i blame it on some people who claim say they doing security and nothing going so. But mostly it's cause people like you who see or suspect your friends/ family members or associates of doing these things and you turn a blind eye to it. Sometimes it's even you, and you saying things to deflect blame. It's all okay in the name of a fast buck right!
  • I Predict (20/08/2020, 07:30) Like (15) Dislike (1) Reply
    Another lockdown is coming soon. We were doing good until the selfish, greedy people hoodwinked and forced the Premier to open up the Country before it’s time. I mention to someone we are going to see a few cases after the festival season and, I was told to shut the F up because I did not know what I am talking about.
    • Your Point (20/08/2020, 10:19) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      The borders are not open meh son. You still do not know what you are talking about. Cant you read it not a person that travel well travel out of the airport.
  • Thank goodness (20/08/2020, 07:41) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    I am so glad I continue to follow all the rules that was put in place from day one. As soon as the place open and the curfew was lifted people started acting stupid. I feel sorry for the elderly and the children. If we go back on lock down which I am sure we will, you selfish people only have yourselves to blame. I wear my mask when I am out in public and when I enter a place of business.
  • Cut deep (20/08/2020, 07:54) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
    I blame local vocalist public figure Founder of Cut Deep. The irresponsible people be sending her piss to post and she’s so not a thinker of herself and to fit in with them she support and endorse those people stupidity. NOT once she was in support of safety for 90% of her followers are reckless.
    • Would agree (20/08/2020, 09:34) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      Cut deep host is a loose cannon.
    • 284 (20/08/2020, 11:50) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      Yes and don't forget to blame 284 media for airing and promoting this nonsense. That site has gone to the dogs that whole company is a mess!!!!
  • ? (20/08/2020, 08:12) Like (0) Dislike (14) Reply
    some of you guys will soon catch it through you'll teeth talk too much Rass that don't make any damn sense. covet19 will never visit the BVI. the borders are closed. PERIOD.no visitors point blank and PERIOD.
    • Stop praying for bad things (20/08/2020, 09:08) Like (19) Dislike (2) Reply
      Most civil servants especially the young ones are hoping and praying for a virus spread in the BVI so the place can lock down again and they can stay at home and get pay...But, that wont happen.. and if it does, they willl not be paid this time, this time it will be no work, no pay,,.So quit wishing bad...Pray for a healthy and safe BVI, a good economy and God's blessings on us.
  • Caution (20/08/2020, 08:28) Like (44) Dislike (2) Reply
    More people in the BVI has the virus but just don’t know it. Bars, clubs and strip clubs is the main factor. the not social distancing is also a factor. I don’t want anyone blogging blaming the Premier that was pestered to open up the Country for their own selfish reasons. Damn people.
  • Red Zones (20/08/2020, 08:42) Like (17) Dislike (2) Reply
    BARS AND NIGHT CLUBS IS THE HOT SPOTS FOR THE SPREAD OF COVID. JUST IMAGINE THE ONES THAT IS UP IN THE BARS AND NIGHT CLUBS IS TAKING THE VIRUS HOME TO THEIR FAMILIES. I AM HOPING FOR ANOTHER LOCK DOWN. THE ONLY WAY THE SMUGGLING IS GOING TO STOP, THE GOVERNMENT HAVE TO MONITOR THE BOARDER FROM AIR AT NIGHT.
  • question (20/08/2020, 08:50) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    They need to question the last two men they arrested for entering illegally. All of them Spanish and one of those two men is a boat captain. He probably made a few trips before he got caught and probably even bring in this last positive case and more.
    • U all need to relax (20/08/2020, 09:56) Like (5) Dislike (3) Reply
      We drive car as careful as we can get we still get in accident. Do we stop driving. We fly in planes they crashed though pilots did their best to avoid it. Did we stop flying,? Nothing can stop life and living from going on,. Because no matter how careful we Are things will happen. It will never be perfect and it will never stop...
  • Hurricane signs.. (20/08/2020, 08:59) Like (9) Dislike (4) Reply
    People prepare, be serious about the hurricane season ..get your generator or make sure the one you have working.. get your gas / diesel, I am seeing the same signs I saw in 2017, around this same time..i pay very close attention to the things i see because thats where the secret answers are
  • Hmmmm (20/08/2020, 10:13) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    The person has no recorded travel history, but police need to interview him harshly and make him talk because from what I heard he has a travel history which is not documented.
  • Helicopter (20/08/2020, 10:23) Like (2) Dislike (8) Reply
    I had a bad feeling when I saw it flying in..... I did say cases would start popping up.... Oh well....
  • Border Protection (20/08/2020, 11:51) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    We need more border protection in the BVI. It needs to be one of our main priorities. Too much smuggling going on.
  • st thomas (20/08/2020, 11:59) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    These Spanish people catching it In st Thomas but cant go to the hospital so they smuggle back here trying to get to santo undetected but he got caught cause he give it to his old friend who had to go to the hospital
  • Peaches (20/08/2020, 12:17) Like (8) Dislike (4) Reply
    Let the government and the Environmental Health department take that. They sent out a document imposing stiff protocols on the churches (the people of God) and have not imposed any on the bars and night clubs. The things that are imposed on the churches are ridiculous!! Imagine they were telling the church only one hour they can come together to worship our Creator, God. Now that there is no curfew these bars and nightclubs will be open all hours of the night. They have even stopped the church from collecting God's tithes and offerings the way they used to. The deacons never go up close to parishioners to collect the offering. The church has been given a limit to the number of persons that can gather, but the nightclubs and bars are allowed whosoever will!

    I love the VI Party government, but please, please stoop these stiff measures on the church because the church is the body of people that are praying for the government. FIX YOU ALL EYES ON THOSE LOOSE CANNONS AND RUM DRINKERS WHO PARTYING ALL NIGHT. STOP THE PERSECUTION ON THE CHURCHES BECAUSE GOD IS HEARING HIS PEOPLE CRIES AND HE WILL HEAR AND ANSWER!
  • Really Now (20/08/2020, 12:35) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Well well wellsah
  • say it ain't so (21/08/2020, 13:26) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    please close all bars and clubs immediately


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