On Wednesday 1st April, 2020 the Premier of the Virgin Islands, Hon. Andrew A. Fahie announced via a LIVE press conference the way forward as Cabinet decided to extend the territory-wide curfew by an additional 14 days to curb the spread of the Coronavirus.
Premier Fahie announced a shift system that would operate from April 2nd – 4th whereby, persons were allowed to access essential services for the respective days by last names. They were urged to access all essential services throughout this time in preparation for the extended curfew. In the first instance, the shift system was assigned as follow:
April 2nd – 4th (6:00pm – 8:00a.m) – Essential Workers and Senior Citizens
April 2nd (8:00a.m – 6:00p.m)– Persons with the last names A-I
April 3rd (8:00a.m – 6:00p.m)– Persons with the last names J-R
April 4th (8:00a.m – 6:00p.m)– Persons with the last names S-Z
The Government asked all persons who are not within the respective categories on their respective days and times to remain indoors.
Today, 2nd April 2020, residents took the streets as it was the first time seeing the great outdoors since the initial curfew began. The residents of the BVI flocked the supermarkets, gas stations and other essential service areas, and disregarded any social distancing practices.
It is alleged that some blatantly disobeyed the law and protocol as they congregated with their friends and disregarded the last name shift system.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force made efforts to keep law and order by setting up random check points throughout the capital but found their job difficult as the town area was bombarded with civilians.
The residents of the Virgin Islands are reminded to continue practicing social distancing and proper hygiene procedures, to abide by the laws set to ensure the population’s safety and to stay indoors if it is not their respective day to access essential services.
The imposed curfew is governed under the Curfew Act 2017.