A flight carrying vital laboratory equipment, testing kits, five ventilators, six inflatable isolation wards and hospital beds arrived in the Territory on May 12.

This latest batch of supplies from the United Kingdom Government will help the Territory to introduce a more rigorous testing strategy to identify infected persons; isolation units will increase the capacity to quarantine and limit transmission, while ventilators will provide potentially life-saving support to those persons who need it.

The testing machines are expected to improve the long-term capability of the BVI to test for other viruses and bacteria, such as zika and dengue fever and will modernise the healthcare system to tackle public health threats beyond COVID-19.

His Excellency the Governor Augustus J.U. Jaspert said, “We have been working closely with colleagues in the UK and BVI to identify and provide the medical supplies and support this Territory needs.”

Governor Jaspert said the latest shipment puts BVI’s medical experts in a stronger position to tackle the virus and will build the long-term capacity of its health services. The Governor added, “I understand that this support has been gratefully received and I would like to say thank you to everyone involved. Please continue to play your part by staying at home as much as you can and complying with the social distancing and hygiene measures in place.”

This delivery is part of a wider package of support the UK Government is providing to help ensure the safety and security of in the Territory’s residents. The UK has delivered a large quantity of medical supplies to date including the majority of BVI’s test kits. Public Health England continues to provide public health advice to BVI’s health professionals and UK ministers are in regular contact with the Territory’s ministers to understand the situation and to discuss the BVI’s needs. A second shipment is expected to arrive next week with new testing machines.