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by pltm
(PLTM) - The BVI is now COVID-19 free as there are no active case of the virus, but health officials are warning that the fight is not over.
Hon. Carvin Malone, Minister of Health and Social made the announcement via radio this evening, May 26.
“…The Chief Medical Officer Dr. [Irad] Potter has reported to me that they have conducted a series of tests on the last case, case number 8 and on the contact tracing and none of the contacts are positive. In fact, all are negative including the last case, case number eight. So, we can now declare that the Virgin Islands as we stand today, now is COVID-19 free,” he disclosed.
The BVI has recorded eight COVID-19 cases which included one death. The Health Minister also said that apart from the seven persons who have recovered, there are no one in quarantine.
He said that the tests were done locally due to the fact that the territory has invested in equipment which has allowed them to have confident in their testing ability.
“It is a testament to the good work and early and quick and decisive decisions that the government of the Virgin Islands has made from the time the very first announcement of this pandemic was made on March 11 and we have made decisive decisions to protect our people,” he said while thanking health officials and civil servants for their hard work.
The Health Minister also warned persons to not become complacent and pointed to the preparations for the arrival of locals in the coming days.
“We have to not get wary in well doing, it is not over, we have our people who are coming back. We are testing and making sure that all of the spaces that are quarantine being actual certified so we can get the first wave of people back between the 2nd and 15th,” he said.
The Minister added, “and then they can continue to come and then the others that require government assistance in terms of having a space where they can be to quarantine for 14 days. We are getting 250 rooms…”
The Minister also hinted that during tomorrow’s Cabinet meeting they will be discussing the possibility of further opening up other businesses.
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