The Virgin Islands Department of Health (DOH) has announced new Covid-19 hospitalizations in the region, raising concerns as the islands experience an influx of summer visitors. The Juan F. Luis Hospital on St. Croix reported three hospitalizations, with one patient requiring ventilator support. Meanwhile, the Schneider Regional Medical Center on St. Thomas disclosed six hospitalizations, with none on ventilation.

Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion emphasized the ongoing threat of Covid-19, reiterating that the virus remains deadly. Encarnacion urged the public to get vaccinated, practice good hygiene, and consider wearing masks in public areas. She specifically highlighted the vulnerability of older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems, cautioning them to take extra precautions.

Encarnacion recommended that individuals feeling unwell or suspecting they may have Covid-19 should avoid close contact with vulnerable individuals and wear masks when in public. Dr. Tai Hunte-Ceasar, the chief medical officer at DOH, stressed the importance of testing, advising anyone with Covid-19 symptoms to get tested immediately.

Covid-19 is primarily spread through droplets and particles exhaled by infected individuals. Symptoms can include fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, sore throat, congestion, nausea, and diarrhea.

To encourage vaccination, the Department of Health is offering the Covid vaccine free of charge to uninsured and underinsured individuals. On St. Croix, vaccinations are available from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Thursday, at the Department of Health's clinic in the Old Caribe Home Center building. On St. Thomas, adults can receive vaccinations from 9 a.m. to noon, Monday through Thursday, at the Community Health Clinic at Schneider Regional Medical Center.

For the flu vaccine, appointments can be made by calling (340) 774-7477, and children's vaccinations are available at the Maternal Child Health clinic. Residents of St. John can obtain vaccination information by contacting the Morris De Castro Clinic at (340) 776-6400.

The DOH is working to provide the Covid-19 vaccine to insured individuals by July. Until then, insured individuals are advised to visit their private provider or an urgent care facility for vaccination. For more information and updates on Covid-19, residents can visit the VI Department of Health's website or download the VI Consortium app for the latest news straight to their phone.