The Government of the Virgin Islands will be amending the current COVID-19 protocols as it continues efforts to enhance public safety and address uncooperative behavior of persons on quarantine.

Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Carvin Malone in a statement during the Fifth Sitting of the Third Session of the Fourth House of Assembly in December stated that since the declaration of the disease as a Global Pandemic, the decisions made by Government have been in the best interest of the Territory.

Honourable Malone said with the aim of ensuring everyone’s safety and to continue to address any gaps in the Territory’s COVID-19 protocols, Cabinet has made the decision to increase fines under the COVID-19 Control and Suppression (Entry of Persons) Regulations, 2020 as follows:

• Persons who deliberately tamper and damage the geo-fencing device face a fine of $2000.00 (up from $125.00)
• Persons who engage in unauthorised visits with a person in quarantine face a fine  of $5,000 (up from $500)
•  Any person who contravenes the protocols or guidelines as set out in the Regulations face a fine of $10,000.00 (up from $1000.00)

Honourable Malone also urged residents to follow the protocols put in place to keep them safe. “Take COVID-19 seriously, wash your hands, sanitise, wear your mask and keep your distance,” he cautioned.

The Minister for Health further added that provisions are also being made to allow hotels, resorts and charter companies with approved Gold Sealed transportation services to be utilised under the direct authority of the Director of the Taxi and Livery Commission in an effort to reduce the present demands on the ‘Government Approved Transportation’ services.

Persons are reminded to contact the COVID-19 medical Hotline at 852-7650 to be assessed by a health professional if they are experiencing any symptoms related to the disease.  Common symptoms include fever, cough, headache, fatigue, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, muscle aches or difficulty breathing.

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.