In a letter to the Methodist Circuit in the British Virgin Islands dated March 29th. Circuit Superintendent Rev. Dr. Keith Lewis informed that as a result of COVID exposure on Saturday March 27th at a recent funeral. The decision has been made by circuit staff to postpone all fellowship events.
The letter sent to our newsroom read, “It is with regret that I inform you that the Circuit Staff has decided, in an overabundance of caution, to close all of our chapels with the exception of Anegada, with immediate effect. From Monday March 29th throughout Thursday April 1st. We will update you on Good Friday and Easter services. All fellowship activities with the churches are postponed.”
Rev. Dr. Lewis continued, “This unusual decision is based on the presence of one individual who tested positive for COVID-19 and saw it fitting to be present at a funeral service on Saturday March 27th, at the Sea Cows Bay Methodist Church.”
The Sea Cows Bay Methodist Church chapel is also closed to all services. The Circuit Superintendent further encouraged congregation members who were in attendance to get tested and vaccinated. Saying, “Members of the congregation who were in attendance at the funeral are encouraged to be tested and vaccinated and to show evidence of this before a decision is made to resume activities at the chapel. We have been advised that the building be thoroughly sanitized in keeping with Governments guidelines.”
Circuit Superintendent, Dr. Rev Lewis further lamented that as Circuit Superintendent he was ‘strongly advocating and encouraging’ church goers to get vaccinated which some members have echoed is “going too far”.
Lewis said, “As your Pastor and Circuit Superintendent I am strongly advocating and encouraging you to please getvaccinated. If you were present at the funeral, give heed to the Public Health Advice and self-isolate for ten (10) days and call the hotline to make an appointment for testing.”
Methodist Lenten Mid-Week Wednesday service is also cancelled. The announcement comes on the heels of Good Friday and Easter Sunday as church goers across the Virgin Islands usually celebrate and observe the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.