Statement
MESSAGE FROM HONOURABLE CARVIN MALONE
MINISTER FOR HEALTH AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
ON THE ANEGADA APPRECIATION BOAT RIDE
20th May, 2021
On the advice of the Health Emergency Operating Center, the public is advised that the “Anegada Appreciation Boat Ride” scheduled for Saturday, 29th May 2021 is postponed until further notice.
Currently, there are 33 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Virgin Islands. All these persons are in isolation. It must be noted that there exists five cases to which aggressive contact tracing and related investigations are currently being conducted by teams from the Ministry of Health and the BVI Health Services Authority.
While most cases detected within the Virgin Islands are deemed asymptomatic, the emerging trend throughout the Caribbean Region show that more severe effects cannot be overlooked particularly at events where social distancing and the other health and safety protocols most likely would not be followed or would be difficult to follow.
At the time this event was planned and supported, there were no concerns that aggressive contact tracing in relation to locally acquired infections would be in progress.
Additionally, we have also heard the concerns of persons in the Anegada Community.
The policy on mass gatherings and large events is being actively reviewed and updated by health officials at this time to ensure the safety of all stakeholders including vaccinated and unvaccinated workers and patrons.
Persons are reminded of practicing social distancing, regular hand-washing, avoid touching the face and covering your mouth when you cough, are very important. Minimising movement helps significantly in the prevention of the spread of the Coronavirus, hence why most of these preventative measures are in place. Persons are encouraged and welcomed to take the vaccine which affords very high efficacy against COVID-19. These vaccines are shown to be effective in preventing severe COVID-19 symptoms and deaths. They also reduce transmission of the disease in settings where vaccination rates are high. However, these vaccines do not eliminate the risk of transmitting the virus from a vaccinated person to a non-vaccinated person.
Persons who are experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19 are also encouraged to contact the Medical Hotline at 852-7650 to schedule an appointment for testing. Common symptoms include fever, cough, headache, fatigue, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, muscle aches, or difficulty breathing. Everyone is encouraged to take personal responsibility for your health; and perform their civic duty for the safety of your family, friends, coworkers, customers, and community.
