Deputy Governor, Mr. David D. Archer Jr, has stated that there is an extension of the previous ‘Public Health Measures In The Current Context Of COVID-19’ policy, specifically related to wearing masks in certain Government offices with high public interaction.

Following the statement, ‘Adjusting Public Health Measures in the Current Context of COVID-19’ issued by Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Marlon A. Penn on June 13, the Deputy Governor has announced that discussions were held with Senior Leaders of the Public Service regarding developing and instituting a mask policy for public officers and offices in the absence of a legal mandate.

As such, the Deputy Governor said: “For the next 3 – 6 months, considering the high interaction with the public, especially frontline support, receptionists and other officers who give direct and regular service to external clients, an extension of the mask policy will be implemented.”

This extension applies to the following public officers and offices:

1. All Courts
2. BVI Post;
3. Civil Registry and Passport Office
4. Department of Information and Public Relations
5. Department of Labour and Workforce Development
6. Department of Motor Vehicles
7. Department of Trade, Investment Promotions and Consumer Affairs
8. Deputy Governor’s Office Apostille Unit
9. Environmental Health Division
10. Her Majesty’s Customs
11. Immigration Department
12. Inland Revenue Department
13. Land Registry
14. Law Enforcement and Border Control Agencies, including but not limited to:
    
    1. Her Majesty’s Customs;
    2. Immigration Department;
15. Public Health and Healthcare Services, including but not limited to:
    
    1. Environmental Health Division
    2. Public Health Unit
16. Schools and Educational Centres (Announcement to be made by the Ministry of Education)
17. Social Care Services, including senior homes and other residential facilities
18. Survey Department
19. Treasury Department
20. Water and Sewerage Department

The Deputy Governor added that the 3 to 6 month period is not limited to, nor does it solely affect the offices listed. He said officers outside of the named offices are also allowed to continue wearing masks if deemed necessary for their safety and peace of mind.

Mr. Archer Jr. also cautioned public officers to stay safe and to use discretional knowledge when interacting with co-workers and members of the public as COVID-19 is still an active pandemic.

The health and safety of both the public and public officers remains a priority as the Public Service continues to remain flexible and adaptable as it relates to COVID-19 protocols.

 Persons with any questions or concerns are encouraged to send an email to dgo@gov.vg or contact the Deputy Governor’s Office via telephone at 468-2195.