More than 50 percent of the officers from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) who were on self-isolation following the territory’s COVID-19 spike, has returned back to duty.
This is according to a media release from the RVIPF which said that close to four dozen of its officers were on self-isolation following exposure to the virus.
However, following a return of negative results from 26 of the 45 isolated police officers, Commissioner Mark Collins believes the force can now adequately ensure that persons are abiding by the Curfew Order which has been in effect since July 6.
“We are returning to the complement we had prior to this recent COVID outbreak so we are able to play a full part in restoring the territory to relative safety. We are prayerfully monitoring the condition of the nine that tested positive and the additional ten on isolation for COVID in hopes that they make a speedy recovery,” Commissioner Collins stated.
Delinquents will be arrested
The top cop also said that some members of the community have been resistant towards abiding by the Curfew Order. He warned that those persons in violation will be arrested and penalised for their actions.
He said, “If you are on the roadways after 7pm without a new July 2021 police-issued pass, you will be arrested for violation of the Curfew Order. Those who possess the new passes must have them in hand along with identification.”
In addition, the RVIPF will also be ensuring that persons do not contravene any of the other COVID suppression measures as laid out in Public Health Order, 2021 and the COVID Control and Suppression Regulations that establish prescribe social distancing requirements.
The Public Health Order requires persons to continually wear face masks when in public establishments and on public transportation.