The V.I. Health Department received reports Thursday of hospitalizations due to COVID-19 from both of the territory’s hospitals. COVID-19 is still circulating in the territory, especially now with an influx of summer visitors, according to V.I. Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion.
The Juan F. Luis Hospital on St. Croix reported three hospitalizations, with one patient on a ventilator. The Roy Lester Schneider Hospital on St. Thomas reported six hospitalizations, with none on ventilation, according to the press release.
“COVID-19 is still with us, and it remains a deadly virus,” said Encarnacion. “The COVID vaccine is the most effective method to prevent severe symptoms and to curb the spread of the virus. However, we must also continue to do all the things necessary to stay safe – washing and sanitizing hands often, using the inside of the elbow to cover a cough or sneeze, staying home when feeling unwell, and feel free to wear a mask for protection in public places.”
Older adults and individuals with a weakened immune system are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19, the commissioner emphasized.
“If you suspect you have COVID-19 and live with an elderly person or someone who is immunocompromised, please be extremely cautious,” Encarnacion said. “Limit any close contact and wear a mask.”
Dr. Tai Hunte-Ceasar, chief medical officer for DOH, added, “If you feel you have COVID-19, get tested immediately. Getting tested will help determine whether you need treatment and what you need to do to prevent the spread.”
COVID-19 is easily transmitted and spreads when an infected person breathes out droplets and very small particles that contain the virus. Symptoms may include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea, the press release stated.
The DOH offers the COVID-19 vaccine at no cost to the uninsured population and to underinsured individuals, meaning their insurance does not cover the cost of the vaccine, the release stated.
The vaccine is available on St. Croix from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Thursday, at the Health Department’s clinic located on the second floor of #35 Castle Coakley Unit 5, known as the Old Caribe Home Center building, it said.
On St. Thomas, for adults, vaccinations are available from 9 a.m. to noon, Monday to Thursday, at the Community Health Clinic located at the Schneider Regional Medical Center. For the flu vaccine, call 340-774-7477 to make an appointment. For children, vaccinations are available at the Maternal Child Health clinic, the release stated.
For the COVID-19 vaccine availability at the Morris deCastro Clinic at Cruz Bay, St. John, please call 340-776-6400, it said.
The department is also working to provide the COVID-19 vaccine for individuals covered by insurance during the month of July. Until then, insured individuals are advised to visit their private provider or an urgent care facility for the vaccine, it said.
For more information about COVID-19, visit the V.I. Health Department website.
