The public is reminded to do its part and stay at home to minimise the risk of community spread of COVID-19 in the British Virgin Islands.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Carvin Malone emphasised this reminder during his address to the Territory on Monday, April 6.

He also outlined the Government of the Virgin Islands’ mission in response to COVID-19. 

He stated, “Our mission is to find and isolate any remaining cases of COVID-19 in the Territory in order to minimise the risk of community spread, and the suffering and loss that this would bring.” 

Additionally, Honourable Malone explained the importance of having a 24-hour curfew in place to accomplish the mission. He highlighted new conditions of the Curfew (No. 4) Order which include allowing fisher folk limited access between 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon to secure their boats and farmers to attend to their farms and livestock and only allowing essential and critical workers on duty curfew passes to travel to and from work. He also outlined all other activities that are deemed violations.

“We observe, with concern, that the rates of infection are steadily increasing in neighboring jurisdictions and in countries that have close ties with the Virgin Islands", the Health Minister said. Hence appealing to the public to adhere to the curfew order as recommended by Public Health experts is an act of saving lives.

Honourable Malone encouraged essential workers and critical services allowed to leave their homes for work-related activities to adhere to the social distancing, hygiene and sanitation guidelines to minimise risk of exposure to the virus. He also extended gratitude for their sacrificial service to the Virgin Islands community.

There is no known vaccine and no specific antiviral treatment against the virus. Prevention is therefore critical to avoid being exposed to COVID-19. Persons should practice everyday preventive actions to help reduce the risk of respiratory viruses by frequent handwashing, cough and sneeze etiquette, avoiding contact with visibly sick people and staying home when feeling ill.