The V.I. Department of Health on Monday confirmed two more deaths in the U.S. Virgin Islands due to COVID-19, marking the territory’s 38th and 39th deaths due to the virus.
According to a news release issued Monday, the department said the latest COVID victims were a 68-year-old man and an 84-year-old woman, both on St. Thomas. They were the 24th and 25th COVID-19 death on St. Thomas since the beginning of the pandemic. There have been 14 COVID deaths on St. Croix and one on St. John.
The report comes the day after the news that at least two stores on St. Thomas – Cost U Less and Advance Auto Parts – have closed to allow for contact tracing, and the Gov. Juan F. Luis Hospital on St. Croix was experiencing an all-time high of COVID-19 hospitalizations. Monday an outdoor art event scheduled for Tuesday in Frederiksted was postponed because of the pandemic.
The Department of Health reminded Virgin Islanders that getting the COVID vaccine can help protect against infection and, if the infection does occur, can prevent serious illness and death. Islanders were also reminded of the importance of maintaining proper COVID practices: social distancing, wearing a mask when in the company of others outside of those in your household, frequent cleaning of used areas, and washing hands often with soap and warm water.
Appointments for vaccinations can be made by calling 340-777-8227 or visiting the Department of Health online at covid19usvi.com/vaccines. Walk-ins are also accepted at the Community Vaccination Centers.
St. Croix’s Community Vaccination Center is at the Nissan Center in La Grande Princesse, adjacent to the Honda Dealership and The Paint Shop, on the same side of the street as Food Town.
On St. Thomas, the Community Vaccination Center is at the Community Health Clinic on the 2nd floor at the Schneider Regional Medical Center.
A suspected case of COVID-19 can be reported by calling 340-712-6299 or 340-776-1519. More information is available online at the Department of Health website.
