CHARLOTTE AMALIE — The U.S. Virgin Islands saw a 108 percent increase in COVID-19 cases in late November. So many coronavirus cases, in fact, that the British government has warned its citizens to only travel to the territory if it is “essential.” And people arriving from St. Thomas, St. Croix, St. John and Water Island […]
Tag: COVID-19 Pandemic
VIHA Explains Benefits Of ‘Helping Hands’ Rent Repayment Campaign On Radio
CHARLOTTE AMALIE — With the expiration of a federal eviction moratorium approaching on December 31, and a one-month extension expected from Congress, the Virgin Islands Housing Authority (VIHA) is taking to the radio air waves on Wednesday to promote a program that helps its residents who are behind on their rent remain in their apartments. In March, […]
SRMC Makes History As Its Medical Staff Gets The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine
CHARLOTTE AMALIE — Nine long months after the start of the pandemic, healthcare workers at the Schneider Regional Medical Center were among the first in the territory to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. This week alone, hundreds of health care workers across the territory will be the first to take the long-awaited vaccine. At SRMC, […]
Bars And Nightclubs Will Close Starting This Week To Halt The Spread Of COVID-19
CHRISTIANSTED — Governor Albert Bryan said today he is closing all nightclubs — effective 5 p.m. on Thursday — in an effort to halt the spread of COVID-19 cases in the territory. Bryan also said that all bars will be closed from Christmas Day until at least January 8 — at which time the Department of […]
Scientists Focus On Bats For Clues To Prevent Next Pandemic
RIO DE JANEIRO — Night began to fall in Rio de Janeiro’s Pedra Branca state park as four Brazilian scientists switched on their flashlights to traipse along a narrow trail of mud through dense rainforest. The researchers were on a mission: capture bats and help prevent the next global pandemic. A few meters ahead, nearly […]
COVID-19’s Shadow Pandemic: A Surge In Violence Against Women And Girls
A survey of five Caribbean countries showed that nearly half of women have faced at least one form of physical, economic, emotional or sexual violence. Unequal power relations between women and men lead to controlling behaviors within intimate relationships, research shows. The problem has become worse since the outbreak of COVID-19. Community-based prevention efforts must […]
P-EBT Not Approved For October, November December, DHS Says
CHARLOTTE AMALIE — The Virgin Islands Department of Human Services (DHS) announced Wednesday that the PEBT plan for October, November or December issuance has not been approved. While discussions continue with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to issue additional emergency Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) benefits, the approval to do so […]
Captain Complains About $1,000 Ticket For Not Wearing Face Mask Aboard Boat After Pizza Purchase
CHARLOTTE AMALIE — A St. Thomas boat captain who lives on his vessel said he bought $105 worth of pizza and drinks at sea — and then was given a whopping $1,000 ticket from a health inspector for not wearing a face mask. Charlie Knape, who lives aboard his vessel Classy Lady in Cowpet Bay, […]
Mentally Ill Man’s Inability To Fathom COVID-19 Protocols Led To His Self-Inflicted Gunshot Death
FREDERIKSTED — Friends and family of Kaheem “Shandell” Thomas are wondering if some of the official psychiatric help their friend and family member got contributed to his untimely death this year. Thomas, 30, of Mars Hill, had been struggling with schizophrenia when he got into an altercation with a security guard, stole the guard’s weapon […]
As COVID-19 Ravages Black Floridians, Holiday Plans Are Put On Hold To Mourn The Dead
MIAMI — Eric Pitts isn’t really in a celebratory mood. The Liberty City native’s past six months have been the most difficult period of his life. In May, he lost his father, Reverend Marvin Pitts, 78, to COVID-19. A month and a half later, his mother, Dr. Dorothy Pitts, 77, succumbed to the coronavirus. The […]