Bryan says most active COVID-19 cases in U.S. Virgin Islands are among residents

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. said during a June 22 COVID-19 update that most active coronavirus cases in the U.S. Virgin Islands, including the newest cases, were among local residents as the territory remained in its "Open Doors" reopening phase.

Bryan said the territory had expected travel-related cases after reopening, but was better prepared in June than it had been in March. He cited airport screening, additional ventilators, personal protective equipment at hospitals and expanded contact-tracing capacity.

He also warned against complacency and said one establishment had been closed over the June 20-21 weekend. Bryan said bars could be closed while restaurants remained open if needed to protect public health.

As of June 22, the government said the territory was tracking six active cases. A total of 2,593 people had been tested, with 2,502 negative results, 76 positive results and 15 pending tests. Six deaths had been recorded. One COVID-19 patient was hospitalized at Juan F. Luis Hospital on St. Croix and one was hospitalized at Schneider Regional Medical Center on St. Thomas.

The administration also reported that 28,263 stimulus checks totaling $45.9 million had been issued. The U.S. Small Business Administration had approved 1,620 Paycheck Protection Program loans totaling more than $120.3 million to businesses in the territory.

The Virgin Islands Department of Labor said that as of June 19 it had issued 15,996 unemployment insurance checks totaling $11.9 million and 11,290 Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation checks totaling $19.6 million.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/governor-bryan-discusses-recent-cases-of-covid-19-virus/