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by pltm
(PLTM) - The Virgin Islands remains COVID-19 free following reports that two local persons had entered the Territory with the virus.
Providing clarity on the reports, Minister of Health and Social Development, Hon. Carvin Malone said that the returnees were tested shortly after their arrival after health screenings revealed them to have been exposed to the virus while overseas, and information reaching the Ministry of Health and Social Development suggested that they may have recently contracted the COVID-19 virus. It was revealed that the nationals who returned to the Territory on Saturday, June 27 via Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport tested negative for the virus that causes COVID-19.
"The Ministry of Health is advising the public that a party of two nationals, shortly after their arrival on returning to the Territory, were tested for the virus that causes COVID-19. I am pleased to report that both results were returned as negative. The decision to conduct the test at the beginning of the 14 day quarantine period resulted from reports reaching the Ministry of Health that the two travelers had reportedly been exposed to the COVID-19 virus while overseas," Hon. Malone stated.
He pointed out that PCR testing at the Dr. D. Orlando Smith laboratory was carried out upon arrival as a precautionary measure to verify whether any of the two persons under investigation were carrying the virus, although neither of them had exhibited symptoms of the disease.
The Deputy Premier explained that the airport is open and 'our people are coming home after a long wait'. He stated that it is likely that the Territory may have people who have been exposed to COVID-19 returning.
"We have protocols in place for dealing with such occurrences," the Minister stated.
He shared that to date, 268 nationals have returned to the Virgin Islands since the restricted border reopening.
To date, he said the Ministry of Health has conducted testing on 169 returning residents and all test results of these residents have been returned negative.
"Currently there are 110 persons in quarantine. This number includes 99 nationals 11 immigrants who, as reported by the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, entered the Territory illegally and were intercepted on the island of Prickly Pear. As reported in the House of Assembly on Friday, 439 persons have been tested as of 26 June," Hon. Malone explained.
He stated that the Ministry of Health continues to ensure that all persons returning to the Territory undergo a full 14 days of quarantine where they are monitored for any symptom development.
"Persons are only released after successfully completing 14 days of quarantine and testing negative. COVID-19 can be undetectable in early stages of infection, hence the need for quarantine and other precautionary measures to be observed in relation to every arriving traveler for the entire 14-day quarantine period. The Ministry continues to track these persons for an added measure of safety and prevention of the importation of COVID-19 into the Virgin Islands," Hon. Malone stated.
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