Ticketing, more frequent monitoring and stricter penalties will be enacted to protect the Territory from further community spread COVID-19.

In a statement earlier this week, His Excellency the Governor Augustus Jaspert explained that these measures are needed to make sure that the entire Territory is following COVID-19 safety protocols.

He said: “To ensure full compliance, we are enhancing the Police enforcement and Social Monitoring Task Force who will be visiting establishments and patrolling public places. There will be a zero-tolerance policy for individuals or businesses breaking the rules. The law is being changed to remove warnings for first offences.”

Governor Jaspert went on to say that those who are found to be out of compliance with health and safety regulations will be subject to fines and other penalties.

“If you are found to be breaking the curfew or failing to wear a face mask or social distance, you could be issued a fine on the spot - $100 for individuals and $1000 for businesses. Businesses can risk being shut down if they fail to enforce social distancing measures or open without authorisation,” he said.

Governor Jaspert also encouraged residents to report any compliance concerns they have to the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force by calling 311, emphasising that safety is everyone’s responsibility. 

“To those individuals and businesses not complying – this is the moment you need to change the approach for the sake of the community. Failure to follow these measures is selfish and puts everyone at risk. The only way to avoid a full 24-hour lockdown is for every single individual to comply,” Governor Jaspert said.

Residents who are experiencing symptoms such as fever and dry cough or who think they may have been exposed to the virus should call the Medical Hotline at 852-7650 to arrange testing.

CAPTION : His Excellency Governor Augustus Jaspert delivers a statement to the public regarding COVID-19 precautions on Sept. 1.