New confirmed COVID-19 infections continue to trickle in, but the curve remains low and flat, indicating social distancing measures are continuing to work when everyone cooperates.
Two new cases of COVID-19, both from St. Croix, were reported Tuesday by the V.I. Department of Health in its daily update, bringing the total of positive test results to 1,278 in the territory. Actual cases are higher, as not every infected person shows symptoms or is tested.
There have been 46 confirmed new cases in the past seven days.
There are still 19 official fatalities, unchanged for the past 12 days. Official figures are likely somewhat lower than actual fatalities as not every person gets tested. One University of the Virgin Islands employee is known to have left the territory while ill and died in the states and is not counted as a USVI death.
The full Department of Health report is online at the DOH website.
Risk factors for transmission of the virus are:
Community transmission – 460 cases
Close contact – 647 cases
Travel – 93 cases
Still under investigation – 78 cases
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, people with COVID-19 have presented a wide range of symptoms, from mild to severe. Symptoms can appear two to 14 days after exposure to the virus.
People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:
– Fever or chills
– Cough
– Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
– Fatigue
– Muscle or body aches
– Headache
– New loss of taste or smell
– Sore throat
– Congestion or runny nose
– Nausea or vomiting
– Diarrhea
Editor’s note: The Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs has provided the following cellphone numbers where residents can report activity that is against the law, including violation of the governor’s executive orders, that may put others at risk or in danger. Information, photos or videos can be texted to the following: The general number is 340-725-5129. The other two numbers are 340-727-7226 on St. Croix and 340-771-7226 on St. Thomas. You can also call 911 to report serious crimes.
