The BVI Health Services Authority is continuing to make changes to their visitation policies and protocols as the situation regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to evolve.

Chief Operations Officer, Mrs. Cedorene Malone Smith said, “As of tomorrow Friday, March 20, visitation to the hospital will be dramatically reduced as we seek to do all that is in our power to protect our patients from exposure of the coronavirus.”

While most of the guidelines will remain in effect. Persons are advised that there will be no visitation except for cases of special circumstances.

Mrs. Malone-Smith stated that exceptions will be made for pediatric and hospice patients and other patient circumstance which will be determined by the hospital’s clinical care team. 

 “As a community we will have to make some sacrifices and do things out of the ordinary to protect each other from COVID-19. Our policy is not set in stone; it will change as our risk and the situation changes. We will amend our guidelines as necessary and keep you updated on any changes,” the Chief Operations Officer added.

Persons visiting patients will be screened and are expected to meet the following visiting guidelines.

• If you are sick, have a fever (or a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19), do not visit or accompany a patient.
• Patients may only have one visitor per day.
• Visitors must be age 16 and older.
• New visitation hours are from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. (no visitors are permitted at night).
• Visitors must wash their hands (or use sanitiser) before and after leaving rooms and the premises.

 The BVI Health Services Authority is committed to delivering excellent, compassionate, client-centered healthcare across the Territory.