COVID-19 Updates And Second Vaccine Lottery Announced

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS —Government House released data on the latest COVID-19 cases in the territory, as well as updates on testing and vaccines. Richard Motta, Government House Communications Director, also released new details of the vaccination lottery and announced a second lottery specifically for school-based personnel.

COVID-19 Cases in the territory

There are currently 109 active cases in the territory: 15 on St. Croix, 93 on St. Thomas, and 1 on St. John. Nine people are hospitalized and the territory lost its 29th victim to the virus. A 105-year-old woman died this past weekend from COVID-19.

The seven-day positivity rate is 3.09%, primarily due to new cases among unvaccinated individuals on St. Thomas.

"Not enough people in our community are vaccinated," said Dr. Esther Ellis, Territorial Epidemiologist. She added, "we are still in the middle of a pandemic that has affected the lives of so many. There is currently a COVID-19 surge on St. Thomas, with 93 active cases. This surge reinforces the need for vaccination and basic COVID-19 prevention measures."

Testing and Vaccines

To date, 42,463 individuals in the territory have obtained at least one dose of the vaccine, which is 53.5% of the eligible population.

Anyone age 12 and older can get the COVID-19 vaccine at any of the vaccination centers. Parents and guardians are reminded that both the minor and the parent/guardian must bring an ID. If you wish to make an appointment, call 340-777-VACS (8227) or visit www.covid19usvi.com/vaccines

The Department of Health is hosting pop-up testing sites this week:

St. Thomas: Tuesday, June 15 from 1-3 p.m at the Home Depot and Thursday, June 17 from 1-3 p.m. at the Fort Christian parking lot.

St. Croix: Tuesday, June 15 and Thursday, June 17 from 10 a.m- 12 p.m. Free vaccines will also be available.

St. John: Wednesday, June 16 from 1-4 p.m. at the VIPA Gravel Yard.

Vaccination Rates and Vaccination Lottery

In an effort to reach his goal of having 50,000 people fully vaccinated by July 1, Governor Albert Bryan Jr. announced a vaccination lottery last week. Starting July 6, ten weekly cash prizes of $10,000 each will be announced every week for ten consecutive weeks.

In order to qualify for the incentive drawing, you must be fully vaccinated by the start of the lottery. Individuals who are vaccinated locally will be automatically entered into the weekly drawing. The only condition for winning is proof of residency. And if a winner is under 18, the cash incentive prize will be held until they turn 18, following the protocol for the Virgin Islands lottery.

Second lottery for school-based personnel

Government House announced a second lottery specifically for school-based personnel, including students, staff, faculty, school monitors and school bus drivers. There will be three prizes per district: $25,000, $10,000 and $5,000.

The second lottery is an effort to have everyone vaccinated before schools re-open for in-person learning.

In order to be eligible, individuals must be vaccinated before the lottery drawing on August 9, 2021. Eligible individuals should register for the special drawing ahead of time, allowing time for the Department of Health to verify employment or enrollment. The Office of Governor will provide registration details in the next few days.

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