Health & Wellness

Three more Virgin Islanders died of COVID-19 in the last seven days, bringing the territory's loss to 94, government officials said Tuesday. The news comes as students and school employees prepare to return to in-person learning on Monday, Jan. 24.

Two of the three remaining major agriculture fairs in the Virgin Islands have postponed their dates based on consideration for the spike in COVID-19 numbers.

Individuals who are sick or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 should call the epidemiology hotline to schedule an appointment for a COVID-19 test.

Despite restrictions imposed three weeks ago by Gov. Albert Bryan, Jr., the territory's COVID virus rate has leapt by hundreds of new infections, and according to Bryan, those precautions will remain in place until Jan. 25, at least.

With COVID cases spiking every day, government officials advised those who suspect they are infected but have no symptoms to stay home and not flood the emergency rooms and testing sites. With symptoms, people should wait two to five days before getting tested.

Gov. Albert Bryan, Jr. took to the airwaves Friday morning beseeching Virgin Islanders to stay safe and at home for the New Year's holiday but acknowledged the spiking numbers of the new Omicron variant are expected to level off and eventually decrease in the next few weeks, so more stringent restrictions are not being considered at this time.

The Department of Health is conducting COVID tests on St. John today at the V. I. Port Authority's gravel lot from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. At 11 a.m., there is already a long line, according to one resident who recently drove by.

In-person services throughout the territory will be temporarily curtailed. Following is a listing of schedule changes as of Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2021.

The Department of Health would like to ensure that all Virgin Islanders fully understand the new procedures associated with COVID-19 quarantining.

Due to the recent surge in COVID-19 active cases, the Department of Health is taking preventative measures to reduce the spread of the virus.

The SRMC leadership team has expanded its safety measures beyond those previously issued for patient visitation to further protect Schneider Regional Medical Center's vulnerable patients and staff.

Governor Bryan reinstates some restrictions on bars and restaurants as territory’s active cases jump to 544; return to school is being evaluated; 72-hour negative test is required to enter the USVI.

o further protect Schneider Regional Medical Center's vulnerable patients and staff, the leadership team has expanded its safety measures beyond those previously issued for patient visitation.

Although Omicron has not yet been confirmed in the U.S. Virgin, JFL remains vigilant in its efforts to protect staff and patients, as the rate of infection rises locally and nationally.

Despite an enormous jump in the number of COVID cases in the Virgin Islands, the governor did not shut down beaches, but he did impose new restrictions on restaurants, bars, travelers, and Crucian Carnival festivities.

Based on the rapid increase in COVID 19 cases on St. Thomas, Schneider Regional Medical Center will immediately restrict visitation to virtual visits only to protect its vulnerable patients and its staff, who are working tirelessly to provide care.

During a press briefing tempered with hope for the new year, Gov Albert Bryan Jr. made a special plea to residents - businesses, in particular - to keep following health protocols as positive COVID-19 cases increased slightly to 72 territorywide and the weekly positivity rate to 1.6 percent.

Christopher Borgesen, who is vice president of operations at Schneider Regional Medical Center, recently became a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, the nation’s leading professional society for healthcare leaders.

“This group consists of professionals, such as radiologists, pharmacists and medical laboratory technicians employed at the Gov. Juan F. Luis Hospital and the Schneider Regional Medical Center,” said Joss Springette.

The new law will establish the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) to create a Multistate Nursing License in the Virgin Islands.