The Government of the Virgin Islands has received over 10,000 pieces of protective gear including medical masks, gowns, gloves, glasses and temperature measurers from the Bank of Asia to assist in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chairman of the bank Mr. Carson Wen made the donation on behalf of the bank.  Mr. Wen said, “The COVID-19 pandemic is now a global crisis. Medical supplies have become very difficult to source as the export has been banned by many countries facing the spread of COVID-19 domestically. Bank of Asia has worked hard to find these materials of donation. The first shipment of masks has arrived in the BVI and the remainder will follow in coordination with the Government of the Virgin Islands.”

Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Carvin Malone thanked the bank for the donation stating that it was pleasing to be able to receive the supply of a series of over 12,000 N95 masks, gloves, isolation gowns, and eye protective equipment. 

The Honourable Minister also called on residents to adhere to protocols and practice the safety procedures announced over the entire campaign to limit the spread of the deadly virus.

“We advised you to wipe surfaces, wash your hands, use hand sanitizers, avoid touching your face, cough in your folded elbow and if you use disposable napkins you have to apply the one use theory - throw out and use another. We also advised that if you showed any symptoms during this period that you self-quarantine,” the minister added.

The epidemiological summary reports indicate that in the Virgin Islands, 36 persons were tested for the virus of which 25 was returned as negative. Two persons have been confirmed positive and nine persons are currently under investigation.  A total of 107 persons remain under self-quarantine at their homes.

Bank of Asia is a digital global cross-border bank, addressing the growing financial needs of international companies, their owners and multinational conglomerates.

Headquartered in Tortola, British Virgin Islands, Bank of Asia was awarded the first banking licence in more than two decades by the British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission in March 2017.