Minister of Health and Social Development, Honorable Carvin Malone recently highlighted that some parents and guardians are reluctant to quarantine when picking up an unaccompanied minor from a BVI port of entry.
“During the summer months, a number of unvaccinated or at times, partially vaccinated minors have arrived in the territory. Issues have arisen when the guardians who have come to collect them then refused to be quarantined with these minors or refuse to pay for these quarantine devices for the minors.”
In an earnest attempt to ensure that any risks are avoided, the Health Minister revealed that the Cabinet of the Virgin Islands amended the laws which now mandates quarantine and exit testing for adults in these situations.
“In an attempt to address the situation, Cabinet decided that where an unaccompanied minor who is unvaccinated or partially vaccinated arrives at a port of entry, they along with a parent of guardian must be subject to quarantine and exit testing, at the same time as the unaccompanied minor. Again, where there are issues of non-compliance and non-cooperation we must let the law dictate and guide expectants.”
According to the Minister’s September 20, 2021 COVID-19 update, 47 cases of covid-19 were confirmed.
However, an alarming 35 of that 47 actives cases were traced within the Virgin Islands, indicating a high community transmission rate.
Honorable noted that these numbers are troubling and reiterated the need for all persons to abide by the health protocols in a concerted effort to lower numbers.