ST CROIX -USVI, DECEMBER 27, 2021 – Based on the rapid increase of COVID-19 positive cases in the Territory, JFL advises the public that strict no visitation restrictions have been reinstated. All in-person visits have been restricted.

There is still much to learn about COVID-19 and the Variant B.1.1.529, a variant of concern, named Omicron. Although Omicron has not yet been confirmed in the Territory, JFL remains vigilant in their efforts to protect staff and patients, as the rate of infection rises locally and nationally. The community of St. Croix and the hospital must continue to do what works. For JFL, we continue to ensure we do not lose sight of the safety protocols currently in place to reduce the spread, including the enforcement of a strict no visitation policy.

“Our Hospital’s number one priority is the safety of our patients and staff. In order to ensure this remains, we must take precautions when and if the case is warranted. Our goal is to return every patient home. We must give our doctors, nurses, and staff every tool necessary to fight COVID-19 – this includes removing outside factors such as visitation, as a source for spread of COVID-19. We thank the community for your continued cooperation and understanding.” – Attorney Chivonne Thomas, Chief Legal Counsel and Acting Public Information Officer

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) “Research on mRNA COVID19 vaccine effectiveness in real-world conditions is reassuring vaccine effectiveness studies provide a growing body of evidence that mRNA COVID-19 vaccines offer similar protection in real-world conditions as they have in clinical trial settings, reducing the risk of COVID-19, including severe illness by 90 percent or more among people who are fully vaccinated. In addition to providing protection against COVID-19, there is increasing evidence that COVID-19 vaccines also provide protection against COVID-19 infections without symptoms (asymptomatic infections). COVID-19 vaccination can reduce the spread of disease overall, helping protect people around you.”

Questions or requests for information regarding an update of this situation will need to be directed to Chivonne A.S. Thomas, Esq., Chief Legal Counsel for Gov. Juan F. Luis Hospital and Medical Center by email at cthomas@jflusvi.org.

Further ideas to consider for media coverage and placement:

1. Reminder of Precautionary measures to avoid community exposure – See Infographic attached.
2. Variant B.1.1.529 a variant of concern, named Omicron – Preliminary evidence suggests there may be an increased risk of reinfection with Omicron (ie, people who have previously had COVID-19 could become reinfected more easily with Omicron), as compared to other variants of concern, but information is limited. More information on this will become available in the coming days and weeks. *Source: World Health Organization