Over 400 residents received assistance through the expansion of social services offered in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Carvin Malone said in a statement today that the expansion of social services was implemented to ease the burden on vulnerable families during this challenging time.

Honourable Malone described the change to now include home deliveries of groceries and essential supplies, distribution of vouchers and care packages, feeding programmes, and psycho-social support through various hotlines with professionals poised to respond to reports of child abuse and other forms of domestic violence. 

“We are grateful to the hardworking teams at the Social Development Department and the BVI Red Cross for their leadership in delivering and coordinating these services,” Honourable Malone said.

The minister also recognised local non-governmental organisations and volunteers throughout the Territory that have been mobilised to also provide support and relief to their communities.

Persons in need of assistance can contact the Social Development Department at 468-9371 or 468-9384, the BVI Red Cross at 499-4999 or the Family Support Network at 499-0999.

The public is reminded to stay at home as per the 24-Hour Curfew Order to reduce the spread of COVID-19 virus in the Territory. While at home, persons should continue to practice everyday preventive actions such as frequent handwashing, cough and sneeze etiquette, avoiding contact with visibly sick people and staying home when feeling ill.