The [US] Virgin Islands Department of Health (DoH) on Tuesday, February 22, 2022, announced the 109th Virgin Islander to die of causes related to Covid-19. Photo: VIC

"After further investigating cause of death and ensuring notification of next of kin, the Virgin Islands Department of Health is saddened to confirm the territory’s one hundred and ninth (109th) death related to Covid-19. The deceased is a 52-year-old male on St Thomas," the health department said in a release.

DoH said it continues to work to slow the spread of the coronavirus, and it urged residents to follow established 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.

Active cases in USVI on decline

Meanwhile, cases in the USVI continue to drop, following trends in the US, UK and elsewhere as the Omicron surge crests.

As of February 19, 2022, there were a total of 163 active infections territory-wide: 116 on St Croix, 46 on St Thomas, and one on St John, according to DoH.

Governor Albert A. Bryan Jr has told the Consortium that March 1 will herald a new day in the USVI, where most Covid-19 restrictions — save the mask mandate and Travel Portal requirements — will be no more.

"We are working on a plan that should have most restrictions except mask [mandate] and [the USVI Travel] Portal gone by March 1," Mr Bryan said. "This would include all government employees returning to work and all schools going to full schedule."

On Tuesday, the administration announced Mr Bryan's next press briefing for Monday, February 28, 2022, during which the governor is expected to make the promised changes.