Of the 12 new cases yesterday, nine people had come into the island since June 1, with three being contacts of a person who had recently returned to the island.
The case of the person who had transmitted the virus to family members was a particular worry for Tufton and his health team.
“Subsequent tests of the family members revealed that there are three positive cases in that home, which would have been transmitted from the person who came in,” said Tufton, as he argued that the stay-at-home order now in place is to protect those who come into the island as well of individuals with whom they might come in contact.
“I know that [people] who have a family member who comes in... you are going to be excited to see that person… but when we say you need to quarantine yourself — stay by yourself in a room, in a space — and minimise the risk of contact until you get the test result; it is a very important directive,” added Tufton.
He noted that with approximately 1.2 per cent of the approximately 1,000 people who have returned to the island since June 1 testing positive for COVID-19, it is not yet a crisis, but warned that this could change if the rules are not followed.
