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 MORE PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release: September 2, 2022 Herbert Grigg Home patients respond well to COVID-19 therapeutics; only 1 resident remains in isolation ST. THOMAS, USVI – The Virgin Islands Department of Human Services (DHS) provided an update Friday, on the eight (8) clients at Herbert Grigg Home for the Aged that tested positive for COVID -19 last week, and details on the ongoing efforts of the nurses and staff to contain the outbreak at the facility. According to HGH nursing staff, as of Friday Morning, only one resident out of the eight who tested positive for coronavirus remains in isolation. The first two residents were moved out of isolation on Saturday, August 27, 2022, while the other six patients received care, anti-viral treatment, and individual medical assessments in a separate wing of the campus. Initially, four out of the eight patients did not exhibit any signs of symptoms, the remaining four were treated with Paxlovid through DOH’s test to treat initiative directly on site. Our last resident on isolation continues to receive enhanced medical care and supervised treatment. They are slated to be cleared and out of isolation by Friday, September 7th. Earlier today, Nurses at Herbert Grigg also conducted follow up screenings for the entire staff and residential population. No new residents were found positive of COVID-19. As per CDC and DOH guidelines, this baseline test will now allow HGH to launch a 14-day window of no new resident cases in an effort to obtain an “all clear status” at the facility. DHS Commissioner Kimberley Causey-Gomez said, “Thanks to the hard work and dedication of our staff at Herbert Grigg, along with guidance from DOH, we were able to manage a significant event, providing direct care and treatment, immediately and on the spot to the residents who tested positive, she said. “For a moment many of us were at the edge of our seats upon hearing the news and awaiting outcomes, however, after two years of training throughout this pandemic for worst case scenarios, HGH nurses and staff have shown that when we have the proper tools and resources at hand, we can deliver,” she added. The Herbert Grigg Home for the Aged currently is still not accepting visitors on the campus at this time. DHS will continue to provide updates on the patients and the ongoing efforts of staff to reverting the facility back to an all-clear status. Press Contact: Ryan Nugent Director of Communications Phone: (340) 725-4924 Ryan.nugent@dhs.vi.gov Government of the Virgin Islands of the United States DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES HERBERT GRIGG HOME UPDATE 02 SEPTEMBER 2022 Please visit the Department of Human Services website, www.dhs.gov.vi or on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/usvidhs) at US Virgin Islands Department of Human Services. 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. 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. # # #