The V.I. Department of Health reported 63 new coronavirus cases yesterday; the highest single-day number of infections reported since the pandemic began. Of the 63 new cases, St. Thomas saw 57 of those cases. The Department of Health listed almost all of the St. Thomas cases — 51 — in the under investigation category, meaning D.O.H. as of Tuesday night, was still attempting to determine how the new cases were transmitted. The six St. Thomas cases that D.O.H. did determine included five community spread infections and one close contact. Five new cases were reported on St. Croix, four of which were close contact and one community spread. St. John had one new case, which was under investigation as of Tuesday night. The Department of Health is tracking 162 active cases: 139 in St. Thomas and 19 on St. Croix. St. John had four active cases as of Tuesday night.
In total, 639 people have tested positive for Covid-19 in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and nine people have died. According to D.O.H., 11,444 people have been tested for the virus, with 10,778 tests returning negative. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last week placed a Level 3 Travel Notice warning on the USVI. The advisory warns against non-essential travel to the territory, pointing to a high risk of contracting Covid-19 and limited medical resources to serve those who do fall ill. Yesterday, New York added the USVI to the list of states and territories where travelers coming from those locations are required to quarantine for 14 days.
The Bureau of Corrections has a detainee at the Farrelly Criminal Complex on St. Thomas who tested positive for the coronavirus. This was the first confirmed case of COVID- 19 infection at any B.O.C facility. The Bureau requested that the V.I. Department of Health immediately conduct COVID-19 testing of all staff and inmates at the St. Thomas Jail and learned a total of 19 other persons at the St. Thomas Jail have tested positive for the coronavirus. Three B.O.C staff test positive. For the protection of its staff, their families, and inmates, B.O.C has mandated that all staff at the St. Thomas Jail get tested for COVID-19 within the next 48 hours. There have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 infection at the John A. Bell Adult Correctional Facility on St. Croix (“Golden Grove”). B.O.C is closely monitoring inmates and staff at Golden Grove for any symptoms.
Governor Albert Bryan announced the Matching Fund Securitization Act, putting the territory back in the bond market for the first time in 11 years, creating a potential revenue stream of $85 million for each of the next three years by reducing the territory’s annual debt service payment. According to the governor, the measure aims to significantly increase cash flow and create a vehicle for the government’s future bonding needs.