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5 more COVID-19 cases in VI; Partial lockdown announced

-Hon Carvin Malone said territory now has 'COVID-19 clusters'
On the heels of a spike in coronavirus cases over the weekend, the Virgin Islands has recorded 5 more COVID-19 positive cases as of Monday, August 24, 2020, bringing the total positive confirmed cases in the territory to 26 and sparking a new partial lockdown curfew order. Photo: Internet Source
Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Carvin Malone (AL) made the announcement late Monday night, August 24, 2020, during a COVID-19 update on how the government intends to move forward with community spread of the virus now a factor in fighting the pandemic. Photo: GIS/Facebook
Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Carvin Malone (AL) made the announcement late Monday night, August 24, 2020, during a COVID-19 update on how the government intends to move forward with community spread of the virus now a factor in fighting the pandemic. Photo: GIS/Facebook
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – On the heels of a spike in coronavirus cases over the weekend, the Virgin Islands has recorded 5 more COVID-19 positive cases as of Monday, August 24, 2020, bringing the total positive confirmed cases in the territory to 26 and sparking a new partial lockdown & curfew order.

Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Carvin Malone (AL) made the announcement late Monday night, August 24, 2020, during a COVID-19 update on how the government intends to move forward with community spread of the virus.

COVID-19 clusters 

Prior to tonight, Hon Malone had announced on Friday, August 21, 2020, that the territory recorded 9 new cases of the virus linked to a previous case #12, bringing the total to 21.

He said new case #22 was detected while receiving treatment at the emergency room. Contract tracing resulted in 3 primary contacts of that case testing positive for the virus. 

One other primary contact of case #12 tested positive for the virus, bringing the total new cases to 5.

"Given these circumstances, the BVI is now classified as having clusters of cases in accordance with the WHO transmission classification guidelines," he said while underscoring the need for effective contact tracing and testing as a priority of the government. 

New 14-day Curfew order 

According to the Health Minister, the aim now is to rapidly contain the spread of the virus and prevent transmission within the community, especially to vulnerable groups through Phase 3 of the COVID-19 national action plan. 

As such, a new 14-day curfew order has been announced starting Wednesday, August 26, 2020, at 5:01 pm to 4:59 am with the aim of limiting the movement of people and conducting testing without the need for a total lockdown.

Similar to previous lockdowns, Hon Malone further announced that for the first 7 days of the curfew, only certain essential businesses will be allowed to operate, subject to review. 

More details to come.

 

53 Responses to “5 more COVID-19 cases in VI; Partial lockdown announced”

  • Local (25/08/2020, 01:18) Like (64) Dislike (26) Reply
    Think this through do a total lockdown for 14 days instead of having person moving around and having contact with other person until you can do all your contact tracing and see if anyone will come forth with symptoms.
    • ok (25/08/2020, 01:32) Like (28) Dislike (10) Reply
      I coudnt agree more with this 100%
    • People need to work (25/08/2020, 05:40) Like (10) Dislike (10) Reply
      Good. We all need to work.. Dont create a lazy and unproductive society..." By the Swet of our brow we shall eat bread".. Yep!. How about Stores,? they can open....the more people go out to work the better...
      • Blind Man (25/08/2020, 10:47) Like (9) Dislike (3) Reply
        What good is it to have a sick unproductive society sucking the life out of the struggling economy stop being selfish.
    • wowww (25/08/2020, 06:39) Like (7) Dislike (60) Reply
      All these island people here walking around infecting people
      • Not island (25/08/2020, 09:33) Like (41) Dislike (1) Reply
        Not island people walking around infecting people its your own local who made the decision to have their illegal run to rock and back make this happen so do not blame island people its the greedy local in your continent that cause this.
    • party time (25/08/2020, 08:43) Like (4) Dislike (10) Reply
      Yahoo .....I work for Government. Now I am getting paid to drink with my friends at the beach with the rest of the island. Let's shut down the economy and do nothing about keeping people home. Party time.
    • So sad (25/08/2020, 08:52) Like (1) Dislike (4) Reply
      Well my God, people are only concerned about the mighty $$ and not lives. How selfish an callous can some of you be. I really don't want to be in total agreement with total Lock Down for an extended period but how else are we going to get this spread contain? This is alarming in this small society. Then some are were questioning why the Cuban Health Care Team was brought in. See why now? Because some people can not and would not adhere to the regulations. Even businesses relaxed their enforcement of the protocols. Some removed the hand wash from the sanitizing stations, not cleaning the shopping baskets and carts, not cleaning counters, Cashiers and other workers not masks up properly, giving some lame excuse of unable to breathe properly and not sanitizing after handling cash or cards. Some customers not sanitizing or wearing mask. The things that are seen at other gatherings and events where the guidelines are not being followed. Churches, Funerals etc. This is alarming. Why was the Health Inspectors not following up with surveillance checks on businesses to ensure compliance? You are missing in action.
      What needs to be done at least for a week of total curfew is a house to house search by Immigration and Police for those illegals who were smuggled in. Fish them out. Prosecute the perpetrators.
      This is disgusting. It's a crime to endanger lives.
      Every one WEAR YOUR MASK and wear them property. Follow the recommended safety protocols. STAY HOME if you don't really have to be out. Stop stressing the Health system and the those of us who are compliant. Need to start mass testing. Don't wait for the sick person to show up at the Hospital. Let's get through this. What are some of you people and Politicians saying still? Open up the borders? Want to hear your thoughts on the most recent events. Let us hear you.
  • Sam (25/08/2020, 01:28) Like (14) Dislike (28) Reply
    Good that its not a full lockdown, but we still have to live with this thing... BVI government going on like it will go away anytime soon
    • Re: Sam (25/08/2020, 01:49) Like (32) Dislike (4) Reply
      so must they not try to contain it or you prefer it to spread like while fire? What better suggestion you have brilliant Sam? I dont know why we don't keep quiet when we have nothing better to suggest. Thats best sometimes
    • Restaurant owner (25/08/2020, 05:48) Like (32) Dislike (11) Reply
      Inflicting more hardship on Small Businesses and workers. Have yet to receive Unemployment, District help or Small Business help while big chain Supermarkets are allowed to open and sell cooked food. No empathy for the little people.
      • @Restaurant Owner (25/08/2020, 09:41) Like (14) Dislike (5) Reply
        That’s the plan, how long will it take you guys to see through the lies, this is the new world order
  • not so (25/08/2020, 01:30) Like (8) Dislike (16) Reply
    They had we up whole night after the first update was postponed
    • Goodnews (25/08/2020, 05:48) Like (31) Dislike (7) Reply
      So what? Did you die? I'm sure they posted that they will air a later hour. Stop fussing over petty stuff. Do you show up to work on time everyday?
      • Thoughful Sailor (25/08/2020, 08:11) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
        Well some of us do show up for work on time, and not doing so is the bane of the BVI, and why some workers don't work out. The late announcements set a very bad example to folks like Goodnews, and impede our workforce. It is also an extreme discourtesy to the population.
      • @Goodnews (25/08/2020, 09:54) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
        Your attitude unfortunately, is sooo typically bawn here government employee minus zero IQ social business etiquette and civility. It would be laughable.,If it was not so pathetic.
        Perfect demonstration of why doing business in the VI requires import of employees,even at additional cost.
    • @not so (25/08/2020, 08:32) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
      No sweetheart, you choose to be up all night. I went to bed and caught the news when I woke up.
  • @ LOCAL (25/08/2020, 02:20) Like (28) Dislike (8) Reply
    It's easy to say do a complete lock down. Do you realize the type of stress this puts the community under especially the vulnerable. We should have devised a more strategic plan to mitigate the effects of the virus at this time. When we were boasting about being the envy of the Caribbean and being commended by CDC and UN we should have been planning on how to deal with vulnerable areas in our community. Government need to make some serious decisions now and one of these must relate to the bar\club culture. It is the source of much of the problems that we are faced with in this community. It also provides cover for many shady characters and their dealings. It has a very serious effect on our youth and their morals. You can pass all the laws, rules, regulations whatever, if this foreign dominated culture is not put in check we are just wasting time. Our leaders need to wake up and understand the dynamics of what is really taking shape in the Virgin Islands and have the guts to bring it under control or we are lost.
  • Thankfull (25/08/2020, 02:48) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
    if we in the community behave our dame self and did the right thing we will be sleeping all night we too greedy and out of order that is why we are in this position now can't sleep waiting to know our fate comit on something that make sense
  • Critical... (25/08/2020, 03:16) Like (20) Dislike (20) Reply
    A 24hr lockdown is what the country need. There are sick people out there and with a partial lock down, these people are just going to get others sick as well.

    A complete lock down will send the weeds running to the weed eater and then we will know who has what.
  • Uk even worse (25/08/2020, 03:29) Like (3) Dislike (20) Reply

    Government doing great job. As you can all see UK washing their hands off us. They don’t want the responsibility. All we see on g** social media is him sailing and his kids diving while we starve. Even the Cubans have more compassion and decency.

    • lodger (25/08/2020, 13:29) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Around the world those in authority always get bad press if they take a break during troubles. Why shouldnt they. Do you suppose the world wars passed without leaders taking breaks? Even soldiers getting rotated.
  • It Rough. (25/08/2020, 03:36) Like (8) Dislike (3) Reply
    I was hoping to work the full week get pay go bank Friday. Have money to shop Saturday morning.. Lord it rough . They could have lock down from Saturday afternoon..
  • be careful (25/08/2020, 03:52) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
    We need to adhere to the protocols people. Masks should be worn, social distancing is a must, wash hands and keep sanitizing. We got to look out for each other. BE SAFE!
  • @local (25/08/2020, 04:00) Like (34) Dislike (6) Reply
    Are you going to support everyone during a full lockdown? Some people does amaze me because things are good for them they don't care about no one else some people can't afford a full lockdown.
  • this is good (25/08/2020, 05:33) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
    We can count on Sowande to stand up for us, dont bow to pressure... " Power dosen't mean anything to me if my people are suffering" . Thanks Sowande...A total lock down would have only made these hard times harder. People can continue working then stop for Gas, stop at the drug store or super market, pick up their stuff and head to their yard... This ia really a good and compassionate decision..
  • Hmm (25/08/2020, 05:37) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    Look trouble. 5 more cases
  • Agree with sam (25/08/2020, 06:28) Like (13) Dislike (2) Reply
    I agree with Sam, did you all see how many persons died after the last 24hr lock down. Let me give you the stats covid19 killed 1 and stress related illnesses 17 .
    2. Do you think the government have money to feed people during these lockdowns.
    3. Do a lock down now and next month a few more cases surface , are we going to lock down again.
    4. Covid19 is here to stay and the world including the BVI have to learn to live with it.
    • re: agree with same (25/08/2020, 11:33) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      people dont think..... reasonable person can add one and one and make two. 1 person died from covid..... do you really think if the place wasnt locked down only 1 would die and the count would be 21? See the cup as half full. covid is no joke.. it kills.. wait and you'll see the talk if they don't get this sorted in a month. You open the place and say wear masks and social distance and I sure 75% or more of the people won't do it. Just look at AmericA
  • Concerned (25/08/2020, 06:42) Like (27) Dislike (4) Reply
    I learned that we still have doctors and dental surgeons still visiting here every week from st. Thomas. They need to stop coming here, for all we know they can be carriers too.
  • Oh boy. (25/08/2020, 07:54) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    government had to do something. im not sure if a total lockdown wouldnt have been better...but hopefully with certain businesses shut down community spread will be limited.
    my only real concern right now is survival...literally. we've been able to scrape enough money opening our little shop this last few months...just enough to pay the rent and put some food on the table....but the reality is , with this shutdown now...i just dont know how we can survive.......have received nothing from ssb.( they say i.ll get but that was 2 weeks ago now and stil nothing....i,ve pleaded for community funding ( which just falls on deaf ears- which is really hard given that when my community leader has asked for my help in the past i have ALWAYS been there for him...always)....i.ve never been one to hold my hand out and ive never been a supporter of it...but hunger puts past to pride.......how do we survive. shut down now for another 2 weeks......just how do we survive........
    Government are always talking about covid and one lost life is too many.......but soon lives will fade out in other ways..when the stress continues to mount and hunger gets the better of us.......assistance isnt reaching those who really really need it.
    thank heavens for those friends who graciously help, but they have their own stresses. Government..you need to do what you say you are going to do and get the money out there....
    we were promised assistance for april may and june.....they only processing for april and may and then have to start all over for june...where is the sense in that...its nearly SEPTEMBER already. Hon Wheatly (ssb) your promises are weak , you continue to promised deadlines when all claims will be processed yet here we are. you need to speak with the people on the ground at ssb before you make these promises. we all have long memories and while the intentions of this government is in the right place .....the execution of those promises is failing and you are therefore failing your people.
    respectfully submitted from someone who is so very disheartened by how they are being treated ( and i know im not alone)
  • stop complaining (25/08/2020, 07:56) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    If the government had issued a full lockdown then a lot of you would be complaining today. Some of you are too hard to please. Just follow heallth protocols and pray.
  • wondering (25/08/2020, 08:25) Like (9) Dislike (3) Reply
    This is LockDown night time go play all day cos you don't have to work! Can this method really stop Corona ?
  • Common (25/08/2020, 08:39) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Mr malomr thanks for the information but you should have brought that information from earlyier on people have to shuttle and hustle now we had to be on our ps and qs but comming to the people at 12 in the night was not gpood yes better late than never but next time try and come to the people a little earluer remember we have thinga to put in olace make sure that the supermarkets are open especially for persons who have children to feed two weeks is not two days thank you for the alert
  • Grow man. (25/08/2020, 08:55) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
    I really dont understand, so from 5.02am to 5.00pm there is no virus on the street..lock the whole place for 14 days boss.
  • The Sad Reality. (25/08/2020, 09:04) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    Seems like only the vaccine can set us free. They have us well set up to take this vaccine... I was like naaah. Never... I changed my mind, I will take it if thats what it takes for me to work, move freely, no curfew, no lock down, no mask,, go where i wish... Yep..
  • sunnyday (25/08/2020, 09:32) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Be careful of what you ask for in locking down the country.
    Remember Employment continues to increase.
    Remember a hungry man is a ANGRY man.

    Pray it do not get to that.
    • Rush Mire (25/08/2020, 14:57) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      But
      Emloyment is of no use to a dead man nor a sick man and neither is food.
      I would rather be alive and healthy,broke and jobless than be dead.
      While there is life,there is hope.
  • Simulus funds (25/08/2020, 09:36) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    So i guess they at the social security will not be working to process the simulus packages for people who never received any as yet. How unfair we have another lockdown and no money to feed our children.
  • oh boy (25/08/2020, 09:46) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    TO MAKE A LONG STORY SHORT AS THE OLD PEOPLE WOULD SAY. I WILL PUT THE BLAME ON THREE THINGS,(1) IGNORANCE (2) GREED AND SELFISHNESS . YOU CAN PUT DIFFERENT SUB-HEADINGS UNDER THESE THREE HEADINGS.
  • lol (25/08/2020, 10:42) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    KHOY GOT HIS WISHES....ALL WHORE HOUSES AND BARS CLOSED
  • REPENT BVI (25/08/2020, 10:55) Like (9) Dislike (3) Reply
    Remember Maria and Repent BVI. Turn from your sins so that iniquity may not be your ruin. Only GOD can help us through this pandemic.
    In the mean time be wise, Mask, Sanitize, Social Distanceung and of course Pray. GOD Bless the BVI.
  • vi (25/08/2020, 10:56) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
    Why the government cannot blame the wet fete they there were no social distancing no body was wearing masks nobody didn’t smuggle nobody with the virus once it reach we black people it will spread its a lot of work to get it contain
  • wow (25/08/2020, 11:02) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
    Government don’t have a brain of it’s own, everything is CDC guidelines, those are the people who delayed telling the world about the spread of the virus, USA stopped funding them because their an enemy of the people
  • bad (25/08/2020, 11:34) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Not much thought went into this. Wide open to accelerate the spread. Party time during the daytime?

    Wheel and come again.
  • Have mercy on us (25/08/2020, 13:02) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Jesus plz help us all out of this struggles cause we here stressing about covid19 when will it end , we still have to go true hurricane seasons with covid some of we still stressing how are we going to make it out this is too much to bear lord plz help us in the British Virgin Islands plz give us faith and compassion towards each others in this tuff times that everyone is face Jesus mercy on us dear lord jesus your so wordy to be praise we need you now jesus like never before jesus jesus jesus we need you lord
  • Vji (25/08/2020, 14:47) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Tell the minister to order trump medication
  • Thankfull (25/08/2020, 16:39) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    some people just think for themselves do you know that in this country people living from hand to mouth especially those who working for government our pay check is small I am also waiting mine so I can shop I have no food I my house so you all people please have some sympathy they are people that just don't have you can you have the money we don't thank you


  • confused (25/08/2020, 17:09) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    On Sunday 24th August, 2020 newsflash, 92 samples were all negative.
    On Monday 25th August, 2020, 5 more positive cases of covid! What's going on?
  • l (25/08/2020, 17:17) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    It's seems like a joke to u people this thing is serious Tortola is a small country my people let us all look to God for help he said if people will pray and turn from our wicked ways then our land will be healed


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