The Government of the British Virgin Islands assures the public that there is no confirmed case of the novel coronavirus disease COVID-19 in the British Virgin Islands. Increased surveillance measures have been put in place to ensure that persons arriving in the Territory with a travel history to heavily affected countries are appropriately screened and monitored. The Ministry of Health and Social Development was notified of a returning national who, based on travel history and flu-like symptoms, has been isolated at home and tested for COVID-19 in accordance with established response protocols. These measures are being taken on a precautionary basis to ensure the maintenance of public health.  Test results will be available within three (3) days, while the health surveillance team is conducting contact tracing and monitoring of persons who have had close contact with the individual.

The public is reminded that COVID-19 is primarily a mild disease with most persons developing flu-like symptoms such as cough, fever, sore throat and body pains, from which the recover fully.

Persons are advised to maintain good respiratory hygiene and handwashing to minimize the likelihood of contracting and spreading the disease. More information will be forth-coming to the public as it becomes available.