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Woman tests positive locally for COVID-19- Hon Malone

- 7 persons quarantined
In a late announcement in the House of Assembly minutes ago, April 16, 2020, Deputy Premier and Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Carvin Malone (AL) announced that a woman has tested positive locally for COVID-19, bringing the confirmed cases in the Virgin Islands to 4. Photo: Internet Source
Deputy Premier and Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Carvin Malone (AL) said a sample from the woman will be sent to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) in Trinidad for further testing and confirmation. Photo: YouTube
Deputy Premier and Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Carvin Malone (AL) said a sample from the woman will be sent to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) in Trinidad for further testing and confirmation. Photo: YouTube
DUFFS BOTTOM, Tortola, VI- In a late announcement in the House of Assembly minutes ago, April 16, 2020, Deputy Premier and Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Carvin Malone (AL) announced that a woman has tested positive locally for COVID-19.

This brings the confirmed cases in the Virgin Islands to four. Two persons tested positive have so far been deemed recovered.

“We have a resident who has finally reported themselves and she is hospitalised now. She has been locally tested and the results seem to be positive.”

Hon Malone said it was his understanding that the woman had shown symptoms before but she did not report her condition to health officials “for whatever reason.”

Sample to be sent to CARPHA

According to Hon Malone, a sample from the woman will be sent to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) in Trinidad for further testing and confirmation.

“The results will be collected tomorrow by the RSS, Regional Security System, as I have mentioned here before, they come Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and will take the results down to Trinidad and on return we will have the official [results],” Hon Malone explained.

7 quarantined

The Health Minister also disclosed that the contact tracing team is fully at work and that samples taken from 7 persons who were in contact with the individual have so tested negative; however, samples will still be sent to CARPHA.

The seven persons in the meantime will be quarantined, Hon Malone said, adding that additional contact tracing will be done.

The Virgin Islands is scheduled to come out of a 24/7 lockdown from Monday, April 20, 2020.

More details to follow.

97 Responses to “Woman tests positive locally for COVID-19- Hon Malone”

  • Drum roll please (16/04/2020, 21:03) Like (85) Dislike (91) Reply
    Back into lockdown ! Y’all got us good smh which one of the damn 25 symptoms do she have ?! Games y’all playing, fear base games !! Pure control, y’all doing a great job with this agenda smh, the public is Sedated with fear, but soon or later they’ll have to wake up like the rest of us
    • Concerned (16/04/2020, 21:27) Like (34) Dislike (4) Reply
      You rather be left in the dark than to know what's going on
    • The TRUTH (16/04/2020, 22:12) Like (45) Dislike (2) Reply
      In this age of information, there is no reason to be this ignorant.
    • smdh (16/04/2020, 23:07) Like (8) Dislike (11) Reply
      @drum roll please

      You are the reason why we cant legalize marijuana.
    • Huh? (17/04/2020, 01:31) Like (12) Dislike (2) Reply
      You sound so stupid. In that case why you locked up in your house if you so ‘woke’. You full ah chat and bored man #KerrrrrYuhDrumroll
    • @ Drum roll (17/04/2020, 08:36) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
      What you dont shut up!!!
  • OMG (16/04/2020, 21:15) Like (36) Dislike (9) Reply
    Did she bring it in... or she lives there.? Not good at all.
    • U does think (16/04/2020, 22:12) Like (41) Dislike (2) Reply
      She been in the BVI for 3 weeks at least while the boarders been closed. Somehow she contracted it. Bigger story is how much persons she came into contact with and how much people she infected.
  • wow (16/04/2020, 21:16) Like (33) Dislike (45) Reply
    you sound like a fool straight up! Its idiots like you that go around spreading this disease.
    • @SMH (16/04/2020, 21:21) Like (17) Dislike (7) Reply
      You not thinking for your damn self, is a disease all by yourself
    • MADD as $$$$$ (17/04/2020, 06:54) Like (18) Dislike (11) Reply
      This lady if she knew she had the symptoms and did nothing needs to be charged and prosecuted for the major set back to the BVI and the people that this is going ti affect this is really careless
    • hey (17/04/2020, 08:35) Like (27) Dislike (1) Reply
      To SMH the woman did not spread around covid she went to the hospital the moment she got the symptoms. She was given medicine and sent home told to come back once it gets worst. She did what she was told to do. Stop spreading hate when you don’t know the real story.
  • Martial Law (16/04/2020, 21:19) Like (97) Dislike (5) Reply
    Show of hands of the people that knew this was coming !
  • ? (16/04/2020, 21:34) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
    Smh I Sing .
  • My Goodness (16/04/2020, 21:38) Like (12) Dislike (28) Reply
    Condolences to her family
  • GG (16/04/2020, 21:38) Like (30) Dislike (6) Reply
    So, she had the symptoms before, but didnt report it "for whatever reason" SMH look trouble
  • panic (16/04/2020, 21:44) Like (63) Dislike (5) Reply
    My people dont panic it shall be well despite this storm. Storms come and go away they don't last for long this to shall pass. The rain falls but it don't last for long. Keep the faith. We expect this we are not out of the woods yet. Keep doing what is required of us and continue to follow instructions and it shall be well.

    I pray that the hand of God would touch her body and he would heal her. Miracles still happen if we believe. Lets all Exercise our faith in God.
  • mmmmm (16/04/2020, 21:45) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    Thanks
    • Diaspora (17/04/2020, 04:30) Like (24) Dislike (5) Reply
      This new and latest case may indicate that our low numbers may have been a function of low testing. To get to a high confident level as to the extent of infections in the territory, requires more testing. Testing data may show that the more testing conducted the higher the level of infections found or not. The borders have been shuttered tight for weeks and residents lockdown for 24-hour first for 6 days and then for 14 days yet another person tested positive. Was this just an isolated case, a fluke, a false positive or there is more in the mortar than the pestle? Is this development means that the territory should not take its foot off the gas in regards to its mitigation effort?

      Countries with low confirmed cases have wide spread testing and tracing (privacy must be strictly adhered to), ie, Iceland, Norway.........etc. The Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) is an existential threat to the VI and its residents and it must be taken seriously. Globally, there are over 2,000,000 confirmed cases and over 140,000 deaths. There are no consistent treatment protocols or cure or vaccine and the current best management practices are social/physical distancing, quarantining, isolation, curfews, border closure .......etc.

      Until a vaccine is found and produced, these mitigation practices will have to be adhered to, albeit perhaps at a modified levels. Moreover, PAHO is indicating that in the coming weeks infection rates in the Caribbean will surge and deaths may increase. Consequently, the BVI must be vigilant and take the necessary protective practices.

      These protective practices, ie, shuttering the border, slow trade with neighbors/partners, curfews, social/physical distancing......etc will imposed hardships on VI residents. These hardships will include a) rising unemployment, b)business closure, c)lack of outdoor recreation, d)reduce personal social interaction..........etc. On the other hand, they will result in lower accidents, lower crime rate, more family bonding...........etc.

      Moreover, the required protective mitigation practices have impacted employment and lack of income for many saved for government workers. Residents have had to lean on savings to get by but for the many savings are being depleted. Paying the rent, putting food on the table, maintaining transportation, maintaining telecommunications ......etc are real challenges for the masses, for the many. Thus, government must step up to the plate and offer some urgent help, ie, housing, food and medical allocations.........etc. Tap into that reserve fund. Governor Jaspert, the crown rep, has indicate that it should. The Guv says that the VI has a healthy reserve fund and social security trust fund is robust. The UK delay in providing displaced workers assistance as the Premier requested is not because of bureaucracy or because it is slow or because it does not have the means.
  • damm (16/04/2020, 21:47) Like (17) Dislike (3) Reply
    Just when we thought it was safe to go back in the water. This is driving us crazy. Most people wont be able to last out a three week lock down.
  • Hmm (16/04/2020, 21:52) Like (20) Dislike (0) Reply
    I wonder how she came in contact with it. I wonder who came in contact with her after she contracted it.
  • Hmmmm (16/04/2020, 22:02) Like (27) Dislike (1) Reply

    peoples this is real. what about the rest peoples who live in the house with her.

  • Covid19 (16/04/2020, 22:07) Like (45) Dislike (5) Reply
    Seriously I live in America and I'm from the BVI. I tested positive a few weeks ago. Whoever came into contact with that family or went right way for those three days when ayu got ayu pass, you all need to self quarantine and get tested. The nurses and doctors at that hospital needs to quarantine as well. You all needs to be tested!! Cause more than likely she transmitted it to some of ayu. Lockdown for a few more weeks needs be mandatory but you all should not get upset. It is for your own good. This virus Ain no joke. It attacked 6our respitory system for some and the immune system for others. Persons with compromised immuned systems or respitory issues will likely be affected more. Please ayu take heed. I have it and I am scared as hell. And take ayu vitamins and chew garlic n ginger ,fennel seeds,cloves,tumeric, drink fever bush and take vitamin c. And get a hot compass for the sore throat for those of you who may have symptoms. Mind eh stay home and stay safe!!!
    • lmao (16/04/2020, 22:53) Like (17) Dislike (42) Reply
      You live in American and talk like that??? "ayu"???LMFAO
      • The real slim shady (16/04/2020, 23:10) Like (5) Dislike (5) Reply
        Cough cough *Ahem* Ayo say it with me now Aiii..yo
      • Mars attack (17/04/2020, 03:51) Like (25) Dislike (5) Reply
        She from the BVI and she talking to we, ass.
      • lol (17/04/2020, 06:12) Like (11) Dislike (7) Reply
        And “Mind eh”. I was wondering the same thing. But if they went to the states as an adult, they will most likely hold on to their native dialect, especially when talking to their people.
      • To Lmao (17/04/2020, 11:03) Like (1) Dislike (7) Reply
        She's also recommending that we take a "hot compass" for sore throat. Poor thing
        • Umm (17/04/2020, 13:25) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
          You are all missing the importance of Covid19
          advise and suggestion and just nitpicking the lingo and typo. The writer meant ‘compress’ and not ‘compass’ Quite agree with what was said.
    • click (17/04/2020, 08:51) Like (2) Dislike (6) Reply
      To Covid 19 stop practicing Voodoo medicine online.
      • Covid19 (17/04/2020, 11:45) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        some ah ayu does really mad me mehson. stay with the jokes before ayu tek heed.
    • LCS (18/04/2020, 06:08) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Wish you recover soon.
  • stop complaining (16/04/2020, 22:07) Like (57) Dislike (4) Reply
    This is week 6 of lockdown for me. Use the time to get to know your family better. I have! Every morning we do a checking call. Never done that before because of the daily grind, traffic, etc. Just to make a dollar to finance our high maintenance lifestyle. Now all we want are healthy family members to hell with the fancy cars, big homes, and designer wares. Just give me and my family good health and let us rise to see another day Lord. You'll back home really really don't understand how serious this is. Stop complaining folks.
    • To stop complaining (16/04/2020, 22:56) Like (41) Dislike (4) Reply
      I know a gentleman who keep complaining every single day that staying home is worse than Jail....can you believe the ignorance? I guess some people rather be exposed to the virus than to be safely in their homes.
      • @To stop complaining (17/04/2020, 10:41) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
        His house got to be possessed or he straight nasty and live in a nasty house cause I don't understand how people complaining about being in their own homes
      • lol (18/04/2020, 06:32) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        He cooking he own food. Now understand toilet paper sales!
  • question (16/04/2020, 22:15) Like (17) Dislike (0) Reply
    Is it imported or locally transmitted?
    • smh (17/04/2020, 00:31) Like (5) Dislike (7) Reply
      Does it matter at this point. Just listen to the officials and take precautions.
      • Online Now (17/04/2020, 08:36) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
        Of course it matters. That way we will know if there is likely a wider community spread.
  • Depressed (16/04/2020, 22:16) Like (47) Dislike (1) Reply
    Instead of blasting everyone . Now is the time for everyone to come together and pray for this lady , her family and the people of this Territory .

    Together we will beat COVID-19
  • Charley Rose (16/04/2020, 22:24) Like (37) Dislike (3) Reply
    Drum Roll. I am disappointed by the way you are thinking. Did you see the amount of bodies that were removed from New York hospital and taken to a mass grave for burial. Every territory and country around the world is affected with this virus. It is not a case that the Virgin Island is special and untouchable. Did you see the number of people in the Dominica Republic that are infected with COVID-19. Must we let down our guards and let this disease spread over the entire territory. Certainly I don't think so.

    If you disbelieve the information that the government is releasing to us, then you only have to look at the other territories in the Caribbean and say to those leaders that they are spreading fake news and trying to scare people. It is better to be forewarned and take the necessary measures to protect yourself. There was a wedding in the Dominica Republic and many visitors from New York traveled there to attend the wedding. As a result the virus spread rapidly and the last count of confirmed cases in that country is over 3000 persons. I guessed we don't want that to happen here. An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. I would suggest the persons spend some time to surf the internet and gather information about this deadly virus and take maximum precaution to avoid infection.
    • @charley rose (16/04/2020, 23:09) Like (4) Dislike (12) Reply
      Take off that mainstream news and get your news from somewhere else
  • we (16/04/2020, 22:27) Like (15) Dislike (3) Reply
    People just waiting to hear about some one with the virus my friend this virus have no friends and it it's not preduis can't u see people only God have d answers
  • Hmm (16/04/2020, 22:33) Like (37) Dislike (2) Reply
    Carefull out there the same thing that was suspected occured round two of lockdown coming soon.ppl whatsappin talking bout hair dresser and whats not. its not a regular flu keep pie-assing with this
    • Guest (16/04/2020, 23:28) Like (39) Dislike (2) Reply
      BVI filled with simple-minded sc27:s talking about them can’t wait to go do hair and go to this restaurant. These imbeciles think it’s going back to the way it was and they think it will happen soon. They in for a rude awakening. This virus ain’t no joke, it will change our entire way of life. Some countries that thought it was over surging again......Let’s put it this way BVI imbeciles don’t look no festival clothes........
    • Gage (17/04/2020, 05:49) Like (35) Dislike (0) Reply
      Exactly! with them bs about hair and nails.
  • old (16/04/2020, 22:53) Like (39) Dislike (2) Reply
    Put on your mast when you out all the time
    This is not a joke
  • talk is cheap (16/04/2020, 23:06) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    We got people out here passing off stereotyping as innocent joking but who wise enough know better.

    Stereotyping is prejudicial. Let someone stereotype you you’ll see how quick there’s a protest against it.




  • Ua (16/04/2020, 23:11) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    U all wise up on now
  • We hurt.!! (16/04/2020, 23:19) Like (12) Dislike (3) Reply
    The government needs to start farming and making our own food/medication from today.!! As independent Islands.!! No more outsiders.!! If this pandemic continues until next year what will we do.!!?????
  • Texas Willie (16/04/2020, 23:29) Like (4) Dislike (5) Reply
    More house arrest. I do need to plan conjugal visits better.
  • Oh dear (16/04/2020, 23:55) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    Wonder if she was a part of the shopping crowd last week.
  • big (16/04/2020, 23:56) Like (4) Dislike (5) Reply
    PLease give her blood from anyone of the two who are well mow and she will be okay.
    • at big (17/04/2020, 11:14) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      her plasma. there using the plasma of recovered victims here in america to create antibodies in sick covid19 patients.
    • dr (17/04/2020, 12:18) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
      If they give her blood with an incompatible blood type she will die
  • ReX FeRal (17/04/2020, 03:31) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    “We have a resident who has finally reported themselves and she is hospitalised now. She has been locally tested and the results seem to be positive.”

    The result "seem" to be positive!!..... seem to be? That's not accurate reporting Mr. Minister. Come better than that. This is life and death dice roll here.
  • eyes (17/04/2020, 06:21) Like (10) Dislike (5) Reply
    Doctors partial to blame for lack of establishing a protocol at the hospital any symdoms dealing with breathing should be treated as a potential covid case and tested it could have been detected with the first visit you all showing what we all knew that you all not ready for this God help us all. Please primier asp bring the Cuban doctors before this thing gets out of hand. Right the doctors that dealt with her first could be infected hospital compromise. Look at a UK hospital with 50%of staff infected this is serious.
  • Long flight (17/04/2020, 06:25) Like (9) Dislike (9) Reply
    From Filipenes to the BVI is a long long flight Changing of many Airlines... its very possible she picked up this thing on one those flights here... We need to relax. This can happen to anyone of us..Show sympathy..U all kno how much millions of our black fore parents die for this freedom we have that we enjoy.. Why r we encouraging our leaders who under the enfluences of the white man...We need to relax and have sympathy..
    • wow (17/04/2020, 08:57) Like (11) Dislike (2) Reply
      She doesn’t have any travel history, she was surely contaminated during the 3-day shopping period by an asymptomatic covid who is with us all during that time. So there are more out there asymptomatic covid contaminated by the previous 3 positive. So if the curfew will be lifted spread will be very fast because we don’t know them.
      • Yep (17/04/2020, 11:52) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
        accurate. this contributes to the mass spread nationwide. asymptomatic people.
    • white man (17/04/2020, 12:21) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
      Why are you making this a racial thing when ut is not, the virus affects us all the same
    • *** (17/04/2020, 17:16) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      ***Phillipines
  • Sam (17/04/2020, 06:29) Like (13) Dislike (2) Reply
    Some of use will lose our life for be in Ignorant
  • fear (17/04/2020, 06:30) Like (17) Dislike (8) Reply
    BE NOT DISMAY WE WILL BEAT COVID 19 IN JESUS NAME
  • Intel. Analysis (17/04/2020, 06:36) Like (16) Dislike (7) Reply
    "We have a resident who has FINALLY reported themselves" Am I reading that the Minister knew that there are persons out there who may have contacted the Virus but are not reporting it? Sound to me that the Health Authorities expected this. Lots of people felt that way anyway. What this may mean to the rest of us is still to be seen. I wish this patient well. I must say, however, that I am angry that her action and those of the persons who did not come forward earlier to report this have placed all of us at risk. This does not mean that we should go around posting pictures of the patient or make her family feel threatened like they are doing in some countries. As a people, we are better than that
    • Guest (17/04/2020, 08:08) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
      Good Lord you stupid.......my goodness
    • @@@ (18/04/2020, 02:54) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      In some countries; its already been done around here. You dont want here the voicenote lace with expletives that's been going around since people learned the identity of the person. No wonder people are afraid to come forward. Its sickening and indeed frightening.
  • Yep (17/04/2020, 07:53) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    So is this the woman that someone mentioned here on the blogs last week ? She just made it in before lockdown from St Croix and was feeling Ill with symptoms ?
  • Free the people (17/04/2020, 07:59) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
    Let's hope she doesn't work for the "BVI" law firm or she may lose her job as well

    https://www.rollonfriday.com/news-content/exclusive-offshore-firm-harneys-creates-ass-unit-while-axing-staff
  • China WHO will pay for their mass murders (17/04/2020, 08:01) Like (12) Dislike (3) Reply
    How long uve been hearing me sayinh upon here that the world court need to investigate china and WHO and make them pay for their crimes against humanity... Im happy they sre now looking into it...China plan was to kill the protestors with WHO covering it up. It get out of control now they get caught they are opologizing and talking about accidents.. Here is the sad part these countries like ours still taking instructions from WHO" world health organization" With no credibility.....
  • @Intel. Analysis (17/04/2020, 08:03) Like (24) Dislike (1) Reply
    School children saying that the woman went to Peebles Hospital 2 times and they send her home...don't know how true that is
    • mmm (17/04/2020, 08:49) Like (14) Dislike (2) Reply
      That is so true, she followed what the HOA people told her. This reporting is so unfair to her.
      • eyes (17/04/2020, 11:02) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
        I agree with you hospital drop the ball. Two times they supposed to be better prepared all this simulation and training and Don't have a proper protocol in place Mr Malone and Mr Potter make it mandatory anyone with any thing to do with breathing , stuffiness ,fever headache should be treated as a covid patient . The lady did nothing wrong she presented herself twice base on report we have blame the doctors who we think we can trust obviously something went wrong from the first visit. Second should have sent alarm don't worry about test kits use them that's why we got them. If this is about cost to test we in trouble test to save thousand
  • old (17/04/2020, 09:13) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    I no I will get some one attention. Spelling mask , Mast .
  • Dulce (17/04/2020, 09:32) Like (5) Dislike (6) Reply
    If this is confirmed, how does one determine the possibility of contact with this individual.
    Shouldn't her identity ,area of residence and photo be revealed.
    Are there plans for a mass testing. Do we have enough testing equipment for the whole population.


    • Secret Bear (18/04/2020, 12:39) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      1. NO. The public has no right to this information under privacy laws. Health officials can trace her contacts without revealing her identity publicly.

      2. No and No. The territory has only around 1000 test kits.
  • Jus in time (17/04/2020, 09:41) Like (20) Dislike (1) Reply
    I hope this government officials not taking this lightly in that apartment complex is highly populated with Philippine descendants, and knowing they are close knit all other apartments where they live must be checked in that complex. So let us not treat this as an isolated approach if we are serious about community transmission. Think about it holistically Thank you
  • hm (17/04/2020, 10:12) Like (8) Dislike (4) Reply
    What I don’t like is that , it’s already after 10 and we are yet to hear an update on this ! Y’all have us worrying from LASTNIGHT GOD DA*N it !
    We as the community has to sit down and wonder are we getting a lockdown ? What are y’all doing
    It was told it’s true on the news but our so call premier is yet to announce this . I just can’t deal with this anymore
  • Queen Mary (17/04/2020, 11:08) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    Worlwide,people with the virus have been readily identifying their identity. Royalty,politicians,medical staff, lawyers, entertainers,everyday folks. It is the unselfish thing to do for the good of mankind and saving lives. This place and its population is too small to do otherwise.
    Standing next to this known infected individual during the shoppijng frenzy a few weeks ago, many many folks and it is a chain with no ending.
  • vi (17/04/2020, 11:41) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is serious we must stay home as much as we can so we could get to zero until we hit the zero mark I think we should stay close but we not like the us sending money to their citizens we have to get something do
  • and (17/04/2020, 12:36) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    When we go out we should all wear appropriate masks and practice distancing..
  • bviabe (17/04/2020, 14:50) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Leave six feet between you and the nearest person (3ft unsafe) In Cayman you could be fined $250 for failing to do so
  • Online Now (17/04/2020, 16:04) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    The basic level of intelligence in these blogs is scary!
  • Concerned (18/04/2020, 11:23) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Test! Test? We have everything to test! How could it be that a person could interface with the Medical System twice and still not be tested.
    The third interface as a sick person before being tested!
    Please, get with it and start testing!! Test! TEST!


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