The Virgin Islands has recorded nine new additional cases of COVID-19, Minister of Health, Hon. Carvin Malone announced this evening, August 21.
As a result of the new cases, a decision has been taken to shut down bars and night clubs along with a new range of curfew orders and related decisions.
The Minister disclosed that 10 tests associated with case #12 revealed the nine new cases. The Minister disclosed that none of the cases are exhibiting symptoms.
This brings the total number of cases in the BVI to 21 with 12 active cases. 8 recoveries and 1 death. To date, the BVI has conducted 2, 092 tests.
The government is awaiting 15 more results which are likely to be announced tomorrow.
Health officials have been desperately trying to track down persons from the community who may have come into contact with case #12 who is hospitalized at the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital.
Previously, the Minister noted that from all indications, case #12 was not imported as the person resides in the Territory and does not have a history of travel in nor out of the Territory in recent times.
The Minister shared that the individual is legally residing in the Territory and presented themselves to the emergency unit of the hospital.
According to Hon. Malone, a number of proactive steps have been taken to safeguard hospital staff and the wider community.