The V.I. Department of Health (D.O.H) on Monday reported a single-day spike in Covid-19 cases of 29 in the territory, with St. Thomas accounting for most of the confirmed infections at 23, while St. Croix saw six new cases. No new cases were reported on St. John, with that island's total confirmed cases standing at 19, four of which were active as of Monday. The situation in St. Thomas is concerning because many of the cases are community spread, meaning it is difficult for D.O.H. not only to pinpoint who is spreading the disease but also to manage it. According to the latest data, 10 of the 23 cases in St. Thomas were transmitted through community spread, while another 11 infections came through close contact. Two cases were under investigation.
On St. Croix, some cases that were previously in the "Under Investigation" category have since been determined, resulting in 11 close contact confirmed cases from previous days, while 1 case was travel-related. For clarity, the 12 cases whose cause of transmission was not all from Monday's data. Instead, some were from days before that had yet to be identified.
D.O.H. is tracking 128 active cases, with the department reporting 35 people as recovered between Sunday and Monday, for a total of 439 recoveries. Nine people have died of the virus. So far, 11,098 people have been tested: 576 positive and 10,487 negative.
The governor also announced new restrictions for the boating community. "We have seen boat parties that violate all of our social distancing and other health guidelines," Governor Bryan said. He said the rule-breaking was taking place at beaches and cays in and around the territory.
The governor announced the banning rafting, or tying boats together, during the pandemic and until the ban is lifted. Additionally, vessels must maintain a 12-foot distance from each other unless there is a medical emergency. And vessels cannot anchor in designated swimming areas. Violators of the rules may be fined $10,000 or more per incident, and even have the vessel confiscated by the Government of the Virgin Islands.
El Nino and La Nina are raising up this hurricane season Jordan Jones from Colorado State explains the effect it will have on the territory.