Businesses not yet approved to operate in the British Virgin Islands are allowed to begin putting social distancing requirements and health protocols in place in time for re-opening on Sunday, May 10.

This was approved by the Cabinet of the Virgin Islands in accordance with the Curfew Act, 2017, imposition of Curfew (No.15) Order, 2020. The Order’s purpose is to control, suppress or prevent the spread of COVID-19 virus and for the protection of all persons within the Territory. 

As businesses prepare to be inspected by the Environmental Health Division and the Social Distancing Task Force, owners are reminded that they are to remain closed to the public until they are given the approval to do so by the authorities.

Business owners are to note the following during preparations:

1. Submit the names of persons who will be present to prepare the businesses for inspections by emailing ministryofhealth@gov.vg.
2. Please visit the bvi.gov.vg for a copy of the Business COVID-19 Control Public Health and Physical Distancing Measures checklist to prepare businesses for inspection.
3. Once the checklist has been completed, business owners are to email their names and contact number to ministryofhealth@gov.vg for inspection. Place in the subject line: COVID-19 INSPECTION.
4. Inspections will be completed by the Environmental Health Division and the Social Distancing Task Force. Business owners are asked to call 468-5110 or 544-4757 to make appointments for inspection.

###

Notes to Editors: Listing of approved businesses and establishments allowed to operate in accordance with the Curfew Act, 2017, Imposition of Curfew (No.15) Order, 2020 within the hours of 6:00 am. And 1:00 p.m. include:

1. Supermarkets;
2. Bakeries;
3. Fishers and Farmers;
4. Banks;
5. Fuel Stations;
6. Ferries for inter-island transportation only;
7. Busses and Taxis with limited passengers;
8. Construction companies, building and concrete supplies businesses;
9. Laundromats;
10. Home delivery services;
11. Insurance and Financial Services that cannot be carried out remotely;
12. Office supplies and equipment and electronic stores;
13. Automotive parts and repairs;
14. Manufacturers of hand sanitizers and personal protective equipment (PPEs);
15. Water and ice production and deliveries;
16. Emergency household and business repairs as approved;
17. Medical Establishments;
18. Legal Establishments;
19. Telecommunication companies;
20. Hardware stores;
21. Commercial and household supplies and appliances;
22. Restaurants for delivery and take out;
23. Beauty products supply stores;
24. Courier Stores and Freight Agents;
25. Veterinarian practices;
26. Printing, graphics and signage supplies;
27. Flower Shops;
28. Real Estate Agents;
29. Department and Clothing stores;
30. Marine stores and Boat yard operations;
31. Churches and places of worship; and
32. Funeral homes
33. Sanitisation, insect, mold and bug control companies.