The Virgin Islands Health Department is advising residents to take precautions following a recent slight uptick in COVID-19 cases in the territory, a trend also being observed on the U.S. mainland, the department reported in a press release.
“We want to remind everyone that COVID-19 remains a concern in our community,” said Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion. “It is especially important that we protect our most vulnerable, including the elderly and those who are immunocompromised. Simple actions — such as staying at home when sick, practicing good hand hygiene, and wearing a mask when appropriate — can help prevent the spread of illness.”
Isolation Guidance
The department reminded the public of the current guidelines:
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Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 should isolate.
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Regular activities may resume once symptoms improve and the person is fever-free for at least 24 hours without using fever-reducing medicine.
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Isolation requires staying home from work and away from other household members, especially young children and immunocompromised individuals.
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A full five-day isolation is not mandatory. Depending on symptoms, some people may resume activities earlier, while others may need longer.
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After resuming activities, individuals are strongly encouraged to continue precautions for the next five days, including good hand hygiene, wearing a mask, limiting close contact, and improving indoor ventilation.
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If symptoms return, the individual should isolate again until symptoms improve and they are fever-free for 24 hours without medication.
“Following these additional guidelines is especially important because individuals may still be able to spread the virus even if they are feeling better,” Encarnacion said. “Some people, such as those with immunocompromising conditions, can spread the virus for a longer period of time.”
Additional Notes
The Health Department emphasized:
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Guidelines apply equally to vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.
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There is no quarantine requirement for close contacts.
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Testing is not recommended for those without symptoms.
More information is available at www.doh.vi.gov
“Here in the Virgin Islands, we don’t always talk about mental health or suicide prevention — and that silence can become stigma,” VI Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion said. “But help is available, and suicide is preventable. This month we are reinforcing our commitment to opening conversations and making sure that persons know they are seen, valued, and not alone.”
On Wednesday, Sept. 10, the department Behavioral Health Division will host a Suicide Prevention Walk and Candlelight & Lantern Release Ceremony on St. Croix. The walk will begin at the former Charles Harwood Memorial Complex modulars and proceed to the Christiansted Bypass lookout point where a candlelight and lantern remembrance ceremony will take place.
On Wednesday, Sept. 17, a second event will be held on St. Thomas, beginning with a walk from Schneider Regional Medical Center to the Charlotte Amalie Waterfront promenade where the candlelight and lantern release ceremony will be held.
Both events begin at 6 p.m. and will include moments of reflection, remembrance, and a show of solidarity for all affected by suicide.
In 2024, three young Virgin Islanders lost their lives to suicide, leaving families and communities grieving. In remembrance of those lost, the VI Department of Health is strengthening its outreach with events to provide hope for those struggling, to make connections, and to inform the community about vital resources.
“Raising awareness about suicide is not just about prevention, it’s about reminding every person that their life matters, hope is real, and help is always within reach,” said Gesil Ramos, Behavioral Health Director for the VI Department of Health. Together, we can break the silence, reduce stigma, and create a community where no one feels alone.”
As part of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, the department’s Behavioral Health Division will also launch its first-ever Mental Health Radio Podcast Series on September 18. In collaboration with ROE FM 101.3 and Media One Productions LLC, the series will focus on opening conversations about mental health among the Gen Z population. Episodes will feature experts and youth perspectives, offering insights and resources to parents, teachers, counselors, and community leaders who support them.
Renan Steele, Deputy Commissioner for Behavioral Health for the VI Department of Health, highlighted the department’s dual approach of remembrance and proactive engagement.
“The candlelight walks and lantern releases are about honoring the lives we have lost and standing with those still struggling,” said Deputy Commissioner Steele. “At the same time, we know that prevention starts with conversation. That is why we are launching the podcast series—to create safe, open spaces where mental health is talked about, understood, and embraced as part of overall wellness. Our Gen Z youth deserve to be heard, supported, and empowered to thrive.”
Commissioner Encarnacion emphasized the importance of breaking cultural barriers around mental health. “Many of us, especially Gen Z, have carried the weight of two major hurricanes, the disruption and isolation of COVID-19, and daily pressures that can feel very overwhelming. We must give them the tools, the support, and the assurance that they are not alone. Talking about mental health is not a weakness; it is a step toward healing,” Commissioner Encarnacion said.
The radio podcast series is the first step in a broader campaign the VI Department of Health will launch in the coming months to engage the community in open, ongoing conversations about mental health and suicide prevention.
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