Coronavirus COVID-19

The Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus which was first identified in Wuhan City, China in 2019. The COVID-19 virus (which is called SARS-CoV-2) is a member of the coronavirus family (a group of viruses) that has never been encountered before. 

Most persons infected with COVD-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. Older persons and those with underlying medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness.

COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020 making it the first non-influenza pandemic to affect more than 200 countries with more than 10 million cases. As of 4th February 2021,  a total of 149 cases have been confirmed and one death reported. Click here for updated local COVID-19 dashboard.

 

The COVID-19 Vaccination Programme

The COVID-19 vaccination roll-out is scheduled take place Thursday, 11th February 2021.

The first shipment of 8,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine were received on 4th February 2021 by Government officials including Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie, His Excellency the Governor John Rankin, Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Carvin Malone, Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ronald Georges and Minister for Transportation Works and Utilities Honourable Kye Rymer.

The vaccines arrived on a special charter flight from the United Kingdom to the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport.

For more information on how to register for the COVID-19 Vaccine, click here.

For answer questions and concerns on the COVID-19 Vaccine, click here.

Persons experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should call the medical hotline at 852-7650. For a medical emergency dial 911.

 

 

COVID-19 Symptoms

The COVID-19 virus spreads primarily through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The most common symptoms include:

  • coughing 
  • fever
  • tiredness
  • breathing difficulties
  • loss of smell and taste

These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually but commonly occur within 1-10 days after a person has been exposed.

Some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms and don't feel unwell. Around one out of every six people who gets COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty breathing. 

BVI COVID-19 Protocols

In an effort to prevent, control and suppress COVID-19 Virus, the Government of the Virgin Islands has enacted and implemented the following legislations, policies and protocols:

  • COVID-19 Control and Suppression (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) act, 2020. 
  • Imposition of a curfew Order, 2020 
  • Public Health (COVID-19 Control and Suppression Measures) Order, 2020 
  • Public Health Ordinance (Cap. 194)

 

Residents and visitors alike are required by law to wear a mask in public spaces and maintain physical distancing where possible. Violators will be penalized. (Click here for more)

 

 

Regional Tracker & WHO Situation Reports

Get updates from the Pan American Health Organization here. Get global updates from the World Health Organization here.

 

 

 

 

Press Releases

Deputy Governor Mr. David D. Archer Jr said the ‘Mask Policy for Public Officers and Offices’ will be discontinued effective November 1.

Effective Friday July 15, persons visiting the Virgin Islands will no longer be required to present a negative COVID-19 test to gain entry.

Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ronald Georges is reminding the public to remain vigilant as new COVID-19 variants continue to emerge.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development is reminding the community of the current COVID-19 protocols for the Virgin Islands.

Deputy Governor, Mr. David D. Archer Jr, has stated that there is an extension of the previous ‘Public Health Measures In The Current Context Of COVID-19’ policy, specifically related to wearing masks in certain Government offices with high public interaction.

Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Marlon Penn has announced that protocols are being relaxed including legal mask mandates commencing June 15.

Acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Ronald Georges has reported that there are 151 active cases of COVID-19 in the Territory with most cases experiencing mild symptoms.