A 73-year-old woman from St Thomas became the latest person in the US Virgin Islands (USVI) to die from COVID-related causes, according to the Virgin Islands Department of Health (DoH). Photo: Getty Images

In a release issued Monday afternoon, July 5, 2021, DoH said, "After further investigating cause of death and ensuring notification of next of kin," it confirmed the territory’s thirty-first death related to COVID-19."

DoH, on June 15, 2021, confirmed the 30th COVID-related death as a 72-year-old St Thomas woman.

The health department said it continues to work to slow the spread of COVID-19. "Please continue to follow these precautionary measures: practice social distancing, wear a mask when in company of others outside of those in your household, clean frequently used areas thoroughly, and wash your hands often with soap and warm water," the department said.

The territory had 71 active COVID-19 cases as of Saturday, July 3, 2021. Thirty-six (36) were on St Thomas, 34 on St Croix, and 1 active case on St John, according to DoH.