The Ministry of Health and Social Development has successfully stood up its first Health Emergency Operations Centre to lead the COVID-19 response. This team brings together specialists from across public health under a unified leadership, with support from additional teams to help share information, coordinate with regional authorities, manage suspected cases, organize the logistical response, and carry out other necessary response activities.
The Incident Commander, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Irad Potter has reported as of March 4, a total of three (3) British Virgin Islands residents were tested by the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and all results were negative for the virus that causes coronavirus disease COVID-19.
This includes a BVIslander who recently returned from an affected country and had remained quarantined at home in accordance with established protocols.
No additional health information in relation to the testing of persons under investigation will be reported. However, the Ministry of Health and Social Development will continue to provide statistical updates and will alert the public immediately upon detection of the virus.
As the COVID-19 disease continues to spread around the world and cases are confirmed within our region, the Government remains vigilant in its monitoring and surveillance activities, public health measures, and community awareness and engagement.
On Tuesday Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert, met with stakeholders and health officials to discuss the Territory’s strategic response to the ongoing global Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Governor Jaspert explained that while the Territory has not had any confirmed Coronavirus cases, a comprehensive effort will be needed to help prevent the virus, and to respond in the event it arrives in the Virgin Islands. While at the meeting Governor Jaspert formally activated the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) at a Level 1.
Activating the NEOC allows health sector experts to be supported in their work by the Department of Disaster Management in their function as a coordinating body, and by other NEOC support structures to help share information, activate sectoral plans, identify relevant resources, and intensify all readiness actions to ensure that the Territory is adequately prepared to deal with COVID-19.
For more information and updates on the COVID-19 response, persons can visit www.bvi.gov.vg/novel-coronavirus-info.