A 52 -year-old Filipino woman has died in the BVI, the territory’s first COVID-19 related death, officials said Saturday.
The woman had underlying medical conditions, and came into contact with an overseas source with the coronavirus.
The Ministry of Health and the Health Emergency Operations Centre HEOC said that on Thursday, the territory received the sad news of a fourth possible case of the virus.
The patient, who was admitted to the isolation ward of the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital for emergency treatment, succumbed to the symptoms of her illness on Saturday morning.
Premier Andrew Fahie, in extending sympathies to the loved ones of the deceased during a broadcast on Saturday, said despite the sad news, the British Virgin Islands is still in a good place.
However, he said in the interest of saving lives, there would have to be additional sacrifices, resulting in a prolonged shutdown of the economy so that in a few more days, the territory will be in a better place.
Residents were largely looking forward to the phased relaxing of the 14-day 24-hour curfew and restrictions next week. In fact, essential businesses were allowed to start preparing from this weekend for a phased reopening on Monday, April 19.
“But you would understand that the present circumstances leave us no choice but to adjust these plans to ensure your safety,” Premier Fahie said. “In this regard, the phased reopening of businesses has to be pushed back and we need to extend the 24-hour curfew for just a few days more from today onwards until we are certain that it is safe.”
