Officials from the Ministry of Health and Social Development have met with local freight and cargo shipping companies to discuss precautionary measures in response to COVID-19.

A round table discussion was held with officials from local shipping companies including Tropical Shipping, Island Shipping and Digital Freight on the current protocols and procedures in place, challenges and the advised approach to increase awareness and the prevention of COVID-19.

Health Officials including National Epidemiologist Harmony Messiah, Chief Environmental Health Officer Lionel Michael and Deputy Chief Environmental Officer, Henrietta Alexander led the meeting.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as of January 24, there were 79,331 confirmed cases of COVID-19 globally with 77,262 cases confirmed in China.  Outside of China, there are 2069 cases confirmed in 29 other countries.

The Caribbean Public Health Agency announced that the risk to the Caribbean region remains low although the COVID-19 outbreak is listed as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).

For more information on the COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus), persons can visit www.bvi.gov.vg or follow the @ministryofhealthbvi on Facebook.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development aspires to provide a caring and integrated system of health and social services that facilitates the recovery of human development and quality of life in the British Virgin Islands.

Photo Caption: BVI health officials meeting with local freight and shipping companies to discuss pre-cautionary measures against the COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus. (Photo credit: Franklyn Skerritt)