CHRISTIANSTED — The Virgin Islands Health Department confirmed on Monday that a 65-year-old St. Croix man has become the 22nd death related to COVID-19 in the territory.
The Health Department is also advising residents to continue social distancing after a recent spike in positive COVID-19 cases on St. Thomas and St. Croix.
“After further investigating cause of death and ensuring notification of next of kin, the Virgin Islands Department of Health is saddened to confirm the territory’s twenty second death related to COVID-19,” the VIDOH said. “The deceased is a 65-year old male on St. Croix.”
Health reported 14 new cases of COVID-19 in the territory on Friday — eight on St. Thomas and six on St. Croix. In a release issued this weekend, the department said a vessel in the St. Thomas harbor accounted for six of the cases on St. Thomas. The territory-wide total climbed to 37 in the latest tabulation.
“All positive cases from the vessel and their close contacts are safe and in quarantine,” the Health Department said, adding that Territorial Epidemiologist Dr. Esther Ellis encouraged the public to be vigilant as cases continue to surge across the mainland United States.
Cases had been trending down in the U.S. Virgin Islands, but the risk of an increase in cases grew locally as numbers on the U.S. mainland have grown exponentially, peaking at nearly 100,000 cases in a single day last week.
“There is no significant common risk factor for the six new St. Croix cases, which is why it is so important to follow the prevention guidelines,” Health said.
The department said staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others. Wear a mask to keep your nose and mouth covered when in public settings. Avoid close contact by staying at least six feet apart from anyone you do not live with. Wash your hands often with soap and warm water. Avoid contact with anyone who is sick, and avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.