Coronavirus (Covid-19) | Government of the Virgin Islands

Coronavirus COVID-19

The Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus which was first identified in Wuhan City, China in 2019. The COVID-19 virus (which is called SARS-CoV-2) is a member of the coronavirus family (a group of viruses) that has never been encountered before.

Most persons infected with COVD-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. Older persons and those with underlying medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness.

COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020 making it the first non-influenza pandemic to affect more than 200 countries with more than 10 million cases. As of 4^th February 2021, a total of 149 cases have been confirmed and one death reported. Click here for updated local COVID-19 dashboard.

The COVID-19 Vaccination Programme

The COVID-19 vaccination roll-out is scheduled take place Thursday, 11^th February 2021.

The first shipment of 8,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine were received on 4^th February 2021 by Government officials including Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie, His Excellency the Governor John Rankin, Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Carvin Malone, Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ronald Georges and Minister for Transportation Works and Utilities Honourable Kye Rymer.

The vaccines arrived on a special charter flight from the United Kingdom to the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport.

For more information on how to register for the COVID-19 Vaccine, click here.

For answer questions and concerns on the COVID-19 Vaccine, click here.

Persons experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should call the medical hotline at 852-7650. For a medical emergency dial 911.

COVID-19 Symptoms

The COVID-19 virus spreads primarily through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The most common symptoms include:

coughing
fever
tiredness
breathing difficulties
loss of smell and taste

These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually but commonly occur within 1-10 days after a person has been exposed.

Some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms and don't feel unwell. Around one out of every six people who gets COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty breathing.

BVI COVID-19 Protocols

In an effort to prevent, control and suppress COVID-19 Virus, the Government of the Virgin Islands has enacted and implemented the following legislations, policies and protocols:

COVID-19 Control and Suppression (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) act, 2020. (Click here)
Imposition of a curfew Order, 2020 (Click here)
Public Health (COVID-19 Control and Suppression Measures) Order, 2020 (Click here)
Public Health Ordinance (Cap. 194)

Residents and visitors alike are required by law to wear a mask in public spaces and maintain physical distancing where possible. Violators will be penalized. (Click here for more)

Regional Tracker & WHO Situation Reports

Get updates from the Pan American Health Organization here. Get global updates from the World Health Organization here.

Press Releases

BVI Reports Fourth Covid Related Death

The Ministry of Health and Social Development has confirmed another COVID-19 related death, which brings the death toll to three in a one-week period and four since the pandemic began.

Small Vessel Entry and Water Taxi Protocols Approved

The Cabinet of the Virgin Islands has approved the COVID-19: Small Vessel Entry Protocol and the COVID-19: Water Taxi Protocols as part of recent significant changee to ensure the Territory continues to adjust its travel protocols with the aim of retruning livelihoods to normalcy and sustainability.