A number of essential businesses across the territory of the Virgin Islands have begun closing due to the present spike being experienced in the BVI. In a July 5th announcement by Health Officials, the present active number of COVID-19 cases stand at 480, with the number expected to rise.
Prior to the announcement many essential services began closing, due to possible exposure of employees.
First Caribbean International Bank issued a notice to customers announcing the temporary closure of the bank until further notice.
The notice read, “To our clients in BVI. Please note that our Road Town branch is closed until further notice. You may access your accounts at any CIBC FirstCaribbean Instant Teller or via our Online and Mobile Banking services. We apologize for any inconvenience. Thank you for choosing CIBC FirstCaribbean as your preferred bank and please continue to take all the necessary precautions to stay safe.”
The BVI Airports Authority also issued a temporary closure notice to clients stating, “The public is being notified that the BVI Airport Authority’s Administration Building will be closed to the public as a result of one of our team members testing positive for Covid-19. The office will be closed from July 6th until further notice.” Officers will be available to offer assistance remotely by contacting 284-394-8000.”
The BVI Ports Authority issued a statement to the public notifying of their closure due to COVID exposure, the statement read, “The British Virgin Islands Ports Authority (BVIPA) would like to inform the public that Pasea Place office will be close on Tuesday July 6th-Thursday July 8th due to a staff member testing positive for COVID-19.”
Additionally, many small businesses who have not been mandated to close have voluntarily closed their door issuing closure announcements to customers.