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by pltm
(PLTM) - A third person has succumbed after testing positive with the deadly COVID-19 in the British Virgin Islands.
This was confirmed by the Ministry of Health and Social Development via a press release issued moments ago, July 9.
“The deceased is a 72-year-old male with underlying medical conditions. At the time of his death, the deceased was a patient at the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital,” the release said.
Commenting on the latest fatality, Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ronald Georges said, “It is sad to report another death just one day after our second COVID related death was confirmed. I want to express condolences and sincere sympathy to the family and friends of the deceased.”
He added, “To date, we have 821 active confirmed cases of COVID-19, and I want the public to understand that it will get worse before it gets better unless we all do what is necessary to arrest community spread. What we are seeing so far are unvaccinated persons with underlying medical conditions being significantly adversely affected. I want to re-iterate the benefits of taking the vaccine, especially for persons who will be more vulnerable to this disease.”
Dr. Georges said taking the jabs offers protection against the disease by stimulating an immune response, and by developing immunity through vaccination will reduce the risk of contracting the virus, along with decreasing the severity and transmissibility of the disease.
“Vaccinating will also protect people at increased risk for contracting and/or developing severe illness from COVID-19, such as healthcare providers, older or elderly adults, and people with underlying medical conditions such as asthma, hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, pulmonary, liver or kidney disease, as well as chronic infections that are stable and controlled,” he stated.
“We can’t preach enough that we need persons, organisations and businesses to adhere to COVID protocols and guidelines,” he added.
The Acting CMO then urged persons to continue to adhere the protocols established by the government, and if anyone is experiencing symptoms such as a headache, runny nose, nasal congestion, fever, dry cough, muscle aches, fatigue, vomiting, loss of taste, smell or appetite, weakness in the hands and feet, vomiting and diarrhoea, please fill out the National Symptom Reporting Form by copying the following link: https://redcap.link/BVICOVIDSMR into your browser or scanning the QR Code with your camera.
