JFL Takes Steps to Respond to Surge in COVID-19 Hospitalizations

Due to increased COVID-19 exposures, a surge in positive patients internal to JFL, and the presence of the Delta variant in the territory, the Governor Juan F. Luis Hospital & Medical Center (JFL) has taken several steps to manage the surge in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, including, but not limited to:

1. Continuing our No Visitation policy
2. Strongly encouraging the vaccination of all JFL employees and patients
3. Increasing the frequency of screening for COVID-19 for all employees
4. Increasing the frequency of screening for COVID-19 for all patients
5. Enforcement of 100% personal protective equipment (PPE), the JFL mask policy, and excellent hand hygiene compliance
6. Enacting a temporary, two-week hold on elective surgical procedures as we manage the surge
7. Increasing our inpatient bed capacity
8. Recruiting and onboarding critical, clinical support staff
9. Encouraging the use of the Monoclonal antibody treatment for persons in the community that meet the criteria for this treatment through the Virgin Islands Department of Health
10. Continued collaboration with the Bryan Roach Administration and the Virgin Islands Department of Health to ensure that we have availed ourselves of all resources available to manage this surge.

According to Interim CEO Dyma Williams, “At JFL, we continue to manage the current surge in COVID-19 hospitalization internal to JFL. COVID-19 has drastically changed the provision of patient care. Despite these dynamic changes, we are steadfast in our goal to provide compassionate care for every patient and their family during this global pandemic. We will continue to keep you informed, safe and healthy, while ensuring quality patient care.”

All adults and children 12 and older are eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccine. JFL strongly encourages every member of the community to “Take Your Best Shot” and make a vaccine appointment today. Doing so will not only protect a person from serious illness and possibly death but also the person’s family, friends and children who are too young to receive the vaccine at this time.

For our patients and anyone requiring medical care, the hospital remains open and ready to serve, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For more information on COVID-19, visit the V.I. Department of Health’s website at www.doh.vi.gov  or text COVID19USVI to 888777.