The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force issued its first ticket for breach of quarantine to an anonymous local who will have 21 days to pay the $10,000 fine.
This was revealed in a media release from the RVIPF on Thursday August 26, which said the gentleman whose name is presently being withheld, was found in violation of a mandatory order to remain at home until September 2, 2021.
The RVIPF said, “The Tortola resident, whose name is being withheld unless he is later charged, is the first to be fined for quarantine violation since the COVID suppression measures were issued. He has 21 days to pay the ticket. Failure to do so, he will be subjected to court proceedings.”
Under the Imposition of a Curfew (No. 4) Order, 2021, a person, who is the subject of a mandatory quarantine order under the relevant enactments, protocols or guidelines or directed by a quarantine officer appointed under the Quarantine Act to be in quarantine, shall be prohibited from leaving his or her home for the period of his or her quarantine.
In January, the government increased the fines under the COVID-19 Regulations from $1,000 to $10,000 for those found in violation of the mandatory order.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force and the Public Health Department are reminding the public that quarantine orders are intended to protect the public against any further outbreaks of COVID.
Persons who have information about quarantine violators are asked to notify the Public Health Department at 468-2274 or 2271 or 2285 or call 911.