CHARLOTTE AMALIE — Health officials are asking residents to be cautious as the number of new coronavirus cases is increasing on a daily basis.
The warning comes on the heels of the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Health detecting seven cases of the BA.2 Omicron subvariant in the territory — five cases on St. Croix and two on St. Thomas.
Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion has emphasized that residents would be well-advised to follow safety measures such as social distancing, washing hands frequently and wearing masks in crowded public spaces.
“Our COVID-19 active cases are at 152: 75 on St. Croix, 70 on St. Thomas and seven on St. John,” Commissioner Encarnacion said. “Our territorial positivity rate is now at 5.46 percent. This health warning is being put in place to keep you safe.”
Territorial Medical Director Dr. Tai Hunte-Ceasar called on all people here to do their part to prevent COVID-19 from spreading.
“Every one of us plays a critical role in increasing or decreasing the territory’s active cases and guides you to get tested if you are symptomatic, report positive home tests for better tracking of cases and seek access to the antivirals available at our local pharmacies or monoclonal antibodies available at each hospital-based clinic,” Dr. Hunte-Ceasar said.
Anyone who suspects they have the virus is asked to call the Epidemiology Hotline at (340) 712-6299 or (340) 776-1519.