SOCIAL SECURITY AND NHI OFFICES CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE; COVID CASES ALLEGEDLY DETECTED AMONG STAFF; NO COMMENT FROM OFFICIALS

In a recent press advisory, the Social Security and NHI offices issued a statement to clients. The release stated, “The British Virgin Islands Social Security Board and National Health Insurance would like to inform the public that our offices will be closed until further notice.”

The advisory further asked the public to “monitor our social media accounts and website for further updates.”

Efforts to reach officials on the matter were unsuccessful. Staff within the agency have confirmed that some five cases have been detected among staff.

See previous story below.

This morning members of staff of the Social Security and NHI offices could be seen lined up outside the office today December 23rd, 2021 awaiting to be tested for Covid-19.

This is due to the detection of three positive cases among staff. Staff were notified via group messages last evening of the situation.

The office is closed until 12noon today while testing and contract tracing is conducted. It is unclear if the office will be closed beyond this time.

In the absence of the Director Mrs. Jeanette Scatliffe Boynes who is on leave, as well as the Human Resources Manager Ms. Deborah Leslie, our team reached out to Deputy Director Ms. Lori Freeman who was unavailable for a comment at the time.

Recently, the British Virgin Islands recorded another COVID-19 related death as active positive cases continue to rise in the territory, surpassing the 100-mark for the first time since August this year.

This was confirmed in an epidemiological report published by the BVI Health Services Authority on Wednesday December 22, which said the active cases in the BVI now stand at 109.

More to come as the story develops.