With the territory continuing to experience a rapid surge in COVID-19 cases, the BVI Government has moved to implement a new 7pm to 5am curfew order, along with restricting restaurants to only takeout orders.
These announcements were made by the Minister for Health Carvin Malone, during a late night COVID-19 update to the territory on Thursday July 8.
According to the minister these decisions were made just hours before the media conference and will come into effect from today Friday July 9.
He said, “As we continue to navigate the high surge of COVID cases in this territory, Cabinet decided that the National Security Council request the Attorney General to draft a new curfew order to impose a 14-day curfew from 7pm to 5am effective 9th July 2021, with the exception of essential workers.”
“Cabinet further decided to endorse the setting up of a field hospital by the BVI Health Services Authority and the Ministry of Health and Social Development to accommodate the efficient administration of care for COVID-19 patients,” he added.
No more in-dining for restaurants
The minister also said that decisions were made to cease the limited in-dining experience for restaurants, to only takeout services for the next two weeks.
“In addition, Cabinet has also decided to amend the public health control and suppression measures Order 4, 2021, to restrict all restaurants to take out services only for the period of the curfew order,” he stated.
Limited movement or 24-lock may be imminent
Malone further said that the Cabinet made the move to limit the activity of persons on the road, restricting all liming or gatherings from occurring.
He said a failure to abide by these rules may result in the harsh decision to revert back to a 24-hour lockdown.
“Cabinet also decided that for 14 days effective July 9, 2021, persons will be advised to limit their movement and stay at home and stay at home where possible and that no loitering or gathering be encouraged. This is expected to be reviewed on a regular basis to determine whether further measures, including a 24-hour lockdown may be required to limit movement in order to further reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the territory,” he explained.
The BVI last recorded 821 active COVID-19 cases with a huge percentage said to be symptomatic. It is also suspected that the present strain of the virus may be the Delta variant.