Territory’s COVID-19 Toll Climbs to 106 with Death of STT Woman

(Shutterstock image)
(Shutterstock image)

A 78-year-old St. Thomas woman has died of complications related to COVID-19, bringing the territory’s death toll from the virus to 106, the V.I. Health Department reported Monday afternoon.

Commissioner Justa Encarnacion offered condolences from the entire Department of Health to the family of the deceased, the press release stated.

The department continues to work to slow the spread of COVID-19 and urges the public to continue to follow these precautionary measures: social distance, wear a mask when in the company of others outside of your household, clean frequently used areas thoroughly, and wash your hands often with soap and warm water.

While the surge in cases attributed to the Omicron variant has subsided, the virus remains a threat, and the department is urging those age 5 and older who have not yet received their vaccines to do so.

On Monday, Gov. Juan F. Luis Hospital on St. Croix reported it was treating three patients with COVID-19, including one on a ventilator. Schneider Regional Medical Center on St. Thomas reported five patients in-house, with 2 on ventilators. None of the patients is vaccinated, the hospitals stated in their Facebook posts.

As of Feb. 12, the latest statistics available, the Health Department reported 250 active COVID-19 cases in the territory, a decrease of 14 from the day before. There were 141 cases on St. Croix, 99 on St. Thomas, and 10 on St. John.

Getting the COVID-19 vaccine can prevent severe illness and death, the Health Department stated. To schedule an appointment for a vaccine, call 340-777-8227 or visit the website. Walk-ins are also accepted at the territory’s Community Vaccination Centers.

St. Croix’s Community Vaccination Center is located at the Nissan Center in La Grande Princesse, adjacent to the Honda Dealership and The Paint Shop, on the same side of the street as Food Town.

On St. Thomas the Community Vaccination Center is located at the Community Health Clinic on the second  floor at the Schneider Regional Medical Center.

Additionally, the Education Department is partnering with the Health Department and American Federation of Teachers to bring the COVID-19 vaccines to students and staff on school campuses throughout the territory. Vaccination sessions will be held on a rotating schedule from February to May. Appointments are not needed and walk-ins are welcome. To view the schedule, visit www.vide.vi.

Students ages 5 to 17 who receive their first dose of the vaccine by Feb. 25 and a second dose by March 18 will receive a $250 Visa gift card, the Health Department reported. Students who were fully vaccinated prior to these dates may pick up their gift cards beginning Feb. 16 at the Community Vaccination Centers, unless they already received one during the first giveaway last year, it said.

To report a suspected case of COVID-19, call 340-712-6299 or 340-776-1519. If you have a medical emergency, call 911. For more information, visit covid19usvi.com. For COVID-19 updates, text COVID19USVI to 888777.