WASHINGTON — The U.S. Supreme Court this week rejected a bid to extend a federal program offering benefits to low-income elderly, blind and disabled people to residents of Puerto Rico, finding that Congress had the authority to prevent those living in the American territory from receiving the assistance. The justices ruled 8-1 in favor of […]
Category: Health News
Governor Bryan Tests Positive for COVID-19
Chief Executive cancels all public appearances and is self-quarantining in accordance with CDC and V.I. Department of Health guidelines CHRISTIANSTED — After returning to the territory on Tuesday afternoon following a weeklong trip to Washington, D.C., and Miami, Governor Albert Bryan tested positive for COVID-19 early this morning. While Governor Bryan is asymptomatic and in good […]
FDA Investigates Lucky Charms Cereal After Reports of Sickness
SILVER SPRING, Maryland — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is investigating Lucky Charms after consumers complained about becoming sick after eating the dry cereal. The FDA said it received more than 100 complaints this year. “The FDA takes seriously any reports of possible adulteration of a food that may also cause illnesses or injury,” […]
Health Department Urges All To Mind COVID-19 Safety Protocols Heading Into Carnival
CHRISTIANSTED — During today’s weekly Government House briefing, Territorial Epidemiologist Dr. Esther Ellis said the number of active cases of COVID-19 in the territory has remained higher that health officials had hoped, and she urged residents to take precautions against spreading the virus as Carnival season begins. “As we embark on Carnival on St. Thomas, it […]
Health Department Warns New COVID-19 Cases Are On The Increase And To Take Heed
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 […]
See’s Candies Must Face Worker’s COVID Lawsuit After Cali High Court Denies Appeal
SACRAMENTO — The California Supreme Court will not review a novel ruling that said a candymaker can be sued by an employee who claims she contracted COVID-19 at work and spread it to her husband, who died. Trade groups have warned the lawsuit could spur limitless liability for businesses, but the court on Wednesday denied […]
Tips For How To Have A Happy And Safe Easter Weekend From The JFL Hospital Staff
CHRISTIANSTED — The Juan F. Luis Hospital and Medical Center (JFL Hospital) wants to promote safety guidelines and provide tips for community members venturing out for the upcoming Easter weekend. Before setting up camp, JFL Hospital wants to remind all participants of some general safety tips and guidelines to prepare for camping on the beach to […]
Health Officials Say 7 Cases of Highly Infectious ‘Stealth Omicron’ Variant Detected
CHARLOTTE AMALIE — Health officials have confirmed the territory’s first few cases of the highly-infectious BA.2 Omicron sub-variant of COVID-19. In a statement released Thursday afternoon, the Virgin Islands Department of Health said five cases were identified on St. Croix and two on St. Thomas and they were confirmed as the so-called “Stealth Omicron” variant […]
SRMC Hosts Free Health Fair On St. John Saturday
CHARLOTTE AMALIE — Schneider Regional Medical Center is sponsoring a free health fair on Saturday, April 9th, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Franklin Powell, Sr. Park, located in Cruz Bay, St. John. The Myrah Keating Smith Community Health Center (MKS) will be offering free health screenings, including blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol, A1C […]
Health Offers 2nd COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters To Residents 50 and Older
CHRISTIANSTED — During today’s weekly briefing, Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion said that second booster shots of the COVID-19 vaccine are available to residents age 50 and older and those who have underlying medical conditions, provided it has been at least four months since they received a first booster vaccination. “You’re encouraged to get a second booster […]