In a press conference held last evening August 6th, 2021. Minister for Health and Social Development Hon. Carvin Malone announced that active Covid-19 cases in the BVI has significantly decreased to 152.
Additionally, Minister Malone announced that businesses under the curfew and suppress order that were previously not allowed to operate such as Barbershops, Salons, Spa, Daycares and others can now open with the exception of nightclubs.
He said, “As of 5th August, a cumulative total of 75,667 persons have been tested; of that number a total of 2,532 persons tested positive; 2,343 persons have recovered; and we are now down to 152 active cases with 7 persons currently being hospitalised and again 37 persons who have passed (deaths) as a result of this dreaded disease. Let me give you the gravity of this again. We were up to 1,604 active cases just two to three weeks ago. We are now down to 152. We were up to 31 persons hospitalized, we are down to 7. The CEO of the Health Services Authority will speak more of this but we are headed in the right direction.”
He added, “Thus, given the advancements we’ve made in lowering the surge in cases and the changes in the situation in our Territory, the HEOC-Unified Command team have made some recommendations to the Minister of Health and the Cabinet of the Virgin Islands for several amendments to be made to the Public Health (COVID-19 Control and Suppression Measures) Order. These recommendations include :
- An adjustment to the current Curfew Order with an allowance for the period to be amended from 11:00pm to 5:00am for a period of fourteen (14) days with an initial review after the first seven (7) days. Commencing on 7th August, 2021.
- That the “Stay-At Home” order be repealed and that ALL businesses be allowed to operate with the exception of nightclubs and entertainment centres. This would include hairdressers, barbershops, spas, restaurants etc. Such businesses are expected to operate within the established restriction limits of one (1) person per 36 square feet to a maximum occupancy of 50 persons, all inclusive of staff and patrons. Re-opening measures remain in place for businesses including hand-wash stations, hand sanitizers, social distancing markers, mask wearing and businesses can expect to be subject to spot checks by the Social Distancing Task Force, the Environmental Health Division and the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force. These measures must be strictly adhered to so that we do not have to return to the days of elongated curfews and other measures required.
- Except with the approval of the Minister for Health and Social Development, all businesses and/or workplaces continue to restrict numbers to 1 person per 36 square feet to a limit of up to 50 persons at a time, per location, subject to adequate social distancing protocols being maintained in accordance with guidance from the Chief Environmental Health Officer;
- That all pre-schools, childcare centres, summer programmes and extra-curricular activities be allowed to re-open within the limitations of the social distancing and public health protocols. The Minister of Education will make announcements with regards to private and public primary and secondary schools on Tuesday 10th August, 2021.
- That all social gatherings be limited to 1 person per 36 square feet with a maximum of 50 persons per location.
- That all faith-based organisations, weddings, funerals be limited to 1 person per 36 square feet with a maximum of 100 persons; this will be reviewed after the 7 day and 14 day period.
- For in-person visits to and from Her Majesty’s Prison (Balsum Ghut) continue to be restricted mandatorily until 20th August, with the exception of emergency situations determined by the facility to necessitate a visit, subject to the contrary advice from the Attorney General, and with the opportunity to be reviewed thereafter;
- That all facilities that serve as residential establishments, namely, the Adina Donovan Home for the Elderly, Virgin Gorda Elderly Home and Rainbow Children’s Home; Safe Haven Transitional Centre and private residential facilities, will continue to prohibit visits in and visits out until 20 August, with the exception of emergency situations determined by the facility to necessitate a visit;
- That, except with the approval of the Minister for Health and Social Development, all ferries be required to restrict numbers to a limit of up to 65 persons at a time;”
Leader of Government business Hon. Andrew Fahie along with Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ronald Georges and Acting Chief Medical Officer Mrs. Coredene Malone-Smith also address the territory.
Vaccination initiatives continue to the USVI for adults and children.