The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force continues to see persons within the community violating the COVID Suppression Orders.
Acting Deputy Commissioner Jacqueline Vanterpool notes that gatherings of any kind, even outdoors, are still in breach of the Public Health Orders and must cease if the Territory is to reduce the rapid transmission of the COVID virus.
“Despite the present public health warnings, persons around the Territory are still gathering around domino tables, at their favorite watering holes and outdoor spots. The present COVID Suppression Orders prohibits these types of gatherings since it does not allow enough social distance between persons to prevent transmission. It is very difficult not to take part in these daily practices, but we must in order to save lives,” she noted.
The Acting Deputy noted, one officer had to discharge pepper spray in the vicinity to disperse well over a dozen individuals that had gathered around a domino game in East End after his direct order was not obeyed. The individuals disbanded temporarily but returned an hour later to continue their game. Establishments are also being penalised.
“We are also seeing persons travelling by boat during the curfew hours of 7pm to 5am. The restrictions of movement around the Territory applies to both vehicle and boat traffic. If you are out and about after 7pm without a new July 2021 police-issued pass, you will be arrested for violation of the Curfew Order. Those who possess the new passes must have them in hand along with identification. One person’s failure to act according to the law affects all of us,” she noted.
RVIPF is ensuring that persons do not contravene any of the other COVID suppression measures as laid out inPublic Health Order, 2021 and the COVID Control and Suppression Regulations that establish prescribe social distancing requirements.