The U.S. Virgin Islands has recorded its 123rd death linked to COVID-19, the V.I. Health Department reported Friday afternoon.
A 68-year-old woman died of complications from the virus on St. Thomas, according to the department, which extended condolences to the family and friends of the territory’s latest COVID-19-related fatality.
The Department continues to work to slow the spread of COVID-19 and encourages the public to become fully vaccinated and boosted, it said in a press release announcing the most recent death.
Residents are also urged to continue following all precautionary measures by practicing social distancing and wearing a mask in crowded public areas, cleaning frequently used areas thoroughly, and washing their hands often with soap and warm water.
According to the most recent numbers from the Health Department, there are 85 active cases of the virus on St. Thomas, 120 on St. Croix, and one on St. John. The seven-day positivity rate is 7.9 percent.
The Health Department now has doses of a new COVID-19 vaccine that is more effective against the newest strains of the virus, Territorial Epidemiologist Dr. Esther Ellis announced at the weekly Government House press briefing on Tuesday. The V.I. has 800 doses available — 600 Pfizer and 200 Moderna.
Anyone 12 and older is eligible for the Pfizer shot and 18 or older for Moderna if it has been at least two months since your primary vaccine series, Ellis said.
The DOH’s current COVID-19 vaccine schedule is that all vaccinations will take place as a regular part of the department’s clinic schedules. For a COVID-19 vaccination appointment, call 340-244-0016.
