During yesterday’s COVID-19 update, Minister of Health and Social Development, Hon. Carvin Malone presented the Territory’s epidemiological report.
As of the 7th October, 2020, 5193 persons have been tested for COVID-19 in the Territory, 71 persons tested positive (0 active cases, 70 recoveries and 1 death)
Honourable Malone acknowledged the hard work that resulted in the containment of the recent outbreak while warning residents that although the BVI has no reported active cases, this does not mean the BVI is COVID-19 free.
“Thanks to the dedicated efforts of our public health and community health teams. I also thank the entire community for your continued compliance and cooperation with the various movement restrictions and public health measures that have been put in place for our protection. The fact that we have no positive cases on record today does not mean that the BVI is ‘COVID-19 Free’,” said Honourable Malone.
He explained that the cluster of 53 cases that represented 75 percent of all detected cases were discovered between August 14 and September 8 and that the final case has now recovered.
Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Carvin Malone also announced Cabinet’s decision to impose a new curfew from 12:00 midnight to 5:00 a.m.
He explained that the Imposition of a Curfew (No. 35) Order, 2020 will come into effect on October 8 for a period of 14 days and will be subject to the requirements in the Public Health (COVID-19 Control and Suppression Measures) (No.8) Order, 2020.
Minister Malone revealed Cabinet’s decision to allow all businesses to re-open under this curfew, inclusive of bars and nightclubs provided that they pass inspection and be certified by the Social Distancing Task Force and the Environmental Health Division in order to operate.
Minister Malone said “Bars and nightclubs owners are currently in conversations with the department and a date and time for inspections would be agreed,”