The Ministry of Health has expressed concerns regarding some residents and business establishments who continue to ignore their advice to restrict movement and large social gatherings.
This was revealed by the Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ronald Georges in a recent statement following the rise of active COVID-19 cases in the BVI to 601.
He said, “We continue to see large gatherings and lack of adherence to measures. The public is strongly advised to avoid all large gatherings, and to strictly adhere to the public health protocols. We are asking all organisers to do the responsible thing and defer large gatherings at this time.”
“If you do have a gathering do ensure that there is strict mask wearing and adherence to public health measures at these events and that numbers of persons are limited,” he added.
Some businesses are adhering
Dr. Georges also credited those residents and businesses who have been adhering to the COVID protocols and implementing measures to ensure a safe operation for workers and customers.
“Some organizers have taken the innovative approach to require or organise rapid testing prior to events. This is a welcome approach and provides some assurance, but is not foolproof. There is no substitute for a well fitted mask, hand washing, social distancing, and avoidance of gatherings for the prevention of infection,” he stated.
The Acting CMO further said that the onus is on residents and businesses to be responsible and heed the advice of the health professionals, since the BVI government at this point is taking the approach of not implementing any drastic measures which could negatively impact the economy.
Working to streamline testing process
Meanwhile, Dr. Georges also said that the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the BVI Health Services Authority will be working this week to streamline the process of getting tested for COVID-19.
He said residents can presently access PCR testing at the Dr. D Orlando Smith Hospital Tent by registering at https://althea.bvi.care and by calling the Medical Hotline at 852-7650 if they have any symptoms of COVID-19.
In addition, he said private medical establishments are also providing PCR testing which remains the gold standard for diagnosis, as well as rapid antigen type tests.
The symptoms of COVID include: fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea.
Dr. Georges advised that if anyone presents the aforementioned symptoms, they should immediately isolate and seek to be tested either by rapid test or PCR test.