Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Carvin Malone has reported that the total active COVID-19 cases in the Territory are now down to 28 since his last update on September 10.

Honourable Malone explained that today’s (September 11) report included a total of 34 additional persons tested; which resulted in 32 negatives that included the seven (7) recoveries and the two (2) new positive results. This brings the total number of COVID-19 cases recorded in the Territory to 66, the total active COVID-19 cases to 28, the total number of recoveries to 37 and the total number of death being one person.

Additionally, Honourable Malone stated that the Cabinet of the Virgin Islands met this evening and advised that the National Security Council to instruct the Attorney General to amend the Curfew (No. 30) Order to allow all businesses to operate as of September 12 between the hours of 5:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. daily with the exception of salons, hairdressers, barber shops, restaurants for in-service dining, bars, night clubs and pubs. Those businesses are to remain closed until further notice.

All other businesses allowed to operate will be subject to inspection by the Social Distancing Monitoring Task Force and certification by the Environmental Health Division.

“Although we are still on curfew, I want to again thank the public for their cooperation and assure them that the Government is doing all that it can to make the best decisions with everyone’s best health and interest in regard,” said Honorable Malone.

The Cabinet of the Virgin Islands will meet on September 15 to further review safety measures and protocols implemented to suppress the spread of COVID-19 in the Territory.

Members of the public are urged to continue to report any suspicious activity by dialling 311 and to adhere to all safety measures such as hand hygiene, cough etiquette, wearing face masks in public, physical distancing and minimising social gatherings.

Persons who are experiencing any symptoms related to COVID-19 are reminded not to visit any healthcare facility but are encouraged to contact the Medical Hotline at 852-7650 for an assessment and an appointment for COVID-19 testing. Common symptoms include fever, cough, headache, fatigue, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, muscle aches, or difficulty breathing.

The Government of the Virgin Islands remains committed to keeping the public informed of all significant developments related to COVID-19.  For more information on the Territory’s COVID-19 response please visit the website www.bvi.gov.vg/Covid-19.