V.I. Financial Outlook is Positive, COVID Numbers Remain Low and Government Officials Warn About Edibles

During the weekly Government House press briefing, Richard Motta, GVI communications director, Ruben Molloy, assistant Health commissioner, and Dr. Nicole Syms, deputy Health commissioner, shared news concerning the territory and residents.

COVID -19 infections increased slightly in the territory in the last week, according to Molloy, but there have been no signs of the new variant BA-2. Molloy said it’s just a matter of when not if. The new variant now accounts for one-third of the cases on the mainland, he added.

There are now 40 cases of the coronavirus in the territory, with 28 on St. Croix, 11 on St. Thomas, and St. John has one. The positivity rate rose from 0.88 percent to 1.76 percent in the last week. Fortunately, there are no hospitalizations. Pop-up COVID testing sites will be discontinued on March 31 on St. Thomas at Cost U Less and at The Market and the Farmers’ Market on St. Croix.

Vaccinations will be administered on St. Croix at Charles Harwood Medical Complex from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and on St. Thomas at the Schneider Regional Medical Center from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. On St. John, the vaccine will be available at the Port Authority gravel lot on Wednesdays from 1 to 4 p.m.

Molloy cautioned the public to “remain vigilant” with vaccinations, hand sanitizer and to wear masks in crowded places and whenever more protection is desired. Masks are still required at schools, airports, and seaports.