Officials at the Ministry of Health and Social Development have raised the travel advisory alert to level two in response to the increase in cases of COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus).

Persons with plans to travel to South Korea, Japan, Singapore and Italy (northern Italy) in addition to China are asked to exercise a high degree of caution.

Health officials continue to warn the public that the COVID-19 virus spreads from human to human and is very transmissible at short distances. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, with elderly persons and those with pre-existing conditions being more vulnerable to severe illness or death.

Travellers to these locations should avoid outbreak areas or contact with sick persons. Travellers should also frequently clean hands by washing with soap and water for approximately 20 seconds or using a 70 percent to 95 percent alcohol-based sanitizer.

For more information on pre-cautionary measures against the COVID-19, please contact the Ministry of Health and Social Development at 468-7742 or the Environmental Health Division at 468-5110. Persons can also visit www.bvi.gov.vg or follow @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.

Note: Official Travel Advisory- Level II on COVID-19 is attached.