Territory’s 6th COVID Victim is Son of Victims 4 and 5

The COVID-19 death announced Wednesday by the V.I. Department of Health was a 45-year-old male who was the son of victim 4, a woman who died two weeks ago, and victim 5, her husband who died last week.

Half of the territory’s six COVID-19 fatalities came from the same family.

The Department of Health withheld any details of the death for 24 hours, until notification of next of kin.

“His death underscores how severe the virus can be – especially for those that are most susceptible,” the DOH news release said, noting that victim 6 had a history of hypertension. “It also shows us that we are all vulnerable to the severe complications, including death, that result from this unpredictable disease.”

The news release said the Department of Health continues to work with other agencies in taking unprecedented actions to slow the spread of COVID-19, advising Virgin Islanders and visitors to follow these precautionary measures: Stay safer at home, practice social distancing, wear a mask when in the company of others, clean areas frequently and wash your hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer.

People can report a suspected case of COVID-19 by calling 340-712-6299 or 340-776-1519. For a medical emergency call 911.

Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion reminded the public to, “take care of ‘you’ from an emotional and psychological level. Pause, breathe and do something relaxing and meaningful.”

More information is available online at the DOH website, doh.vi.gov/coronavirus or cdc.gov/covid19. Those interested can get COVID-19 updates via text message by texting COVID19USVI to 888777.

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