Residents of the Virgin Islands are being urged to keep a suitable distance of at least three feet from each other and to stay at home during the curfew.

On March 25, Cabinet initiated a new Curfew Act for the residents of the Virgin Islands throughout the Territory.

Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie said that on Wednesday, March 25 the curfew will be from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. as well as on Thursday, March 26.

He said, “Simply put all persons are expected to be home, after 8:00 p.m. Do your shopping between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. so that you are able to stay home.”

Cabinet has also agreed that the curfew be put in place from 8:00 p.m. on Friday, March 17 to 6:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 2.

This curfew is for all residents on all islands across the Territory excluding those deemed as essential workers by Cabinet. The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force will be enforcing the law to combat the spread of the Coronavirus.

“This is to ensure that the health department gets to do all the works that they need to do and ensure that all the measures are in place to for the safety of our people in the Virgin Islands. This is the next measure that we are taking so that we can make sure that we contain the spreading of the virus, so that we can make sure that we keep the number limited to where they are,” Premier Fahie said.

There have been two confirmed cases of the Coronavirus COVID-19 in the British Virgin Islands as of March 25.

His Excellency the Governor, Augustus Jaspert said that persons should not host celebratory gatherings to prepare for the Territory-wide curfew but adhere to social distancing practices.

“I am very conscience that these are very big decisions, but I want the public to know that these decisions are not taken lightly, they’ve been taken for your protection.

Governor Jaspert said that it will take everyone’s effort to stop the spread of the virus by practicing social distancing.  “It will be what you can do to keep yourself safe and keep your community safe.”

The public is asked to practice social distancing. Social distancing means to stay at least three feet away from other persons. It is a way of slowing down or stopping the spread of the infectious disease, COVID-19, by limiting contact between you and other people.

In accordance with the Public Health Ordinance (CAP. 194), a ban has been placed on non-essential gatherings of 20 persons or more. This means that there should be no gatherings of more than 20 people

Remember to wash and sanitise hands regularly, avoid touching the face, cover your mouth when you cough and if you feel sick, do not go to the doctor instead call the Medical Hotline at 852-7650.