USVI Public Records

Document text

1303 Hospital Ground • STE 1 • St. Thomas, VI 00802-6722 • (340) 774-0930 3012 Golden Rock • Christiansted, VI 00802 • (340) 718-2980 www.dhs.vi.gov GOVERNMENT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS OF THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES Press Contact: Ryan Nugent Director of Communications Ryan.nugent@dhs.vi.gov Phone: (340) 725-4924 PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release: 23 August 2022 HERBERT GRIGG HOME FOR THE AGED CONFIRMS 8 RESIDENTS TEST POSITIVE FOR COVID-19 U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS - After more than two years of continuous and ongoing efforts in maintaining a COVID-19 free environment at our Senior residential facility on St. Croix during the pandemic, the Department of Human Services, and the staff at Herbert Grigg Home for the Aged is confirming, that eight (8) clients have tested positive for the virus. Since the onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic in 2020, the Herbert Grigg Home for the Aged (HGH) Managers and Staff have been diligent in taking the extra precautions by adhering to the HGH COVID-19 Policy and Procedures which have included mandatory masking, social/physical distancing, when possible, COVID-19 vaccinations for all residents, providing updated education to staff about the COVID- 19 virus and vaccinations. Recently the no-visitation policy was relaxed, with weekly COVID-19 testing for both residents and staff. However, even with this combined approach of preventative actions, eight clients were identified as positive for the COVID-19 virus during testing today. Due to the stringent virus screening protocols already in place, the medical staff at HGH were able to identify and rapidly respond with treatment to the affected clients. HGH also received immediate assistance from the Department of Health’s Epidemiology team, to ensure the proper COVID-19 measures were being implemented at the site and to make sure individual medical assessments were being completed in effort to isolate further infections. DHS leadership together with DOH will continue to meet regularly to discuss the daily strategy of addressing effective methods of combatting the spread of coronavirus at the facility. HGH staff has also notified the family members of the eight residents, who tested positive. These individuals have been moved into isolation in a separate wing in Herbert Grigg Home, and they will continue to receive enhanced medical care and supervision treatment there. Until further notice, the Herbert Grigg Home for the Aged will not accept visitors on the campus. Dr. Tai Hunte-Ceasar, DOH Medical Director and Territorial Infectious Disease Specialist, commended DHS and their rapid response utilizing test to treat. Because of this program and DHS’s quick response, individuals that tested positive were able to receive immediate treatment with the most effective available therapeutics. For general information, please visit the Department of Human Services website, www.dhs.gov.vi or on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/usvidhs). For more information on Covid-19, the new strain of coronavirus, please visit the USVI Department of Health's website, www.doh.vi.gov/coronavirus or text COVID19USVI to 888777. #COVID19USVI The Department of Human Services (VIDHS) exists to provide social services to members in our community with diverse needs. In times of national uncertainty and hardship we act as a safety-net and exist to inspire hope and empower change through non-judgmental, quality delivery of needed services and resources. Please visit the Department of Human Services website, www.dhs.gov.vi for more information. 1303 Hospital Ground • STE 1 • St. Thomas, VI 00802-6722 • (340) 774-0930 3012 Golden Rock • Christiansted, VI 00802 • (340) 718-2980 www.dhs.vi.gov The Bryan-Roach Administration is investing in the Territory’s people, infrastructure, and future through transparency, stabilizing the economy, restoring trust in the government, and ensuring that recovery projects are completed as quickly as possible. Visit transparency.vi.gov. ## END##