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Cabinet approves penalties for violating COVID-19 measures

- Businesses risk revocation of Environmental Health Certificate, closure, in addition to fines
Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) in a statement released late this afternoon July 8, 2020, said that as part of the new cabinet back decisions, the Ministry of Health will also instruct the Attorney General to consider all relevant legislation for the purpose of enacting provisions to adhere to the social distancing measures. Photo: SSB/File
Customers of the One Mart Superstore observing social distancing protocols on April 2, 2020. Photo: Team of Reporters
Customers of the One Mart Superstore observing social distancing protocols on April 2, 2020. Photo: Team of Reporters
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - The Cabinet of the Virgin Islands (VI) today, Wednesday, July 8, 2020, approved a range of penalties and fines for both individuals and businesses who violate COVID-19 guidelines meant to prevent the spread of the virus.

Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) in a statement released late this afternoon said that as part of the new Cabinet-backed decisions, the Ministry of Health will also instruct the Attorney General to consider all relevant legislation for the purpose of enacting provisions to adhere to the social distancing measures.

Individuals will be fined

Measures include the wearing of face masks/coverings by all individuals when in an indoor or outdoor public space and the maintaining of six (6) feet of physical distance between individuals when in an indoor or outdoor space.

On the business end, companies must ensure that employees and customers wear face masks/coverings and adhere to all social distancing measures approved by the government or face a range of penalties for defiance. 

For individuals violating the above guidelines, the first offence will come with a warning, second offence will attract a fine and education/training with each subsequent offence attracting a further fine.

Individuals who fail to pay a fine will incur a penalty, however, specifics were not given on what the penalties are, or the value of the fine.

Businesses risk closure  

Businesses will receive a warning for the first offence and the second offence will incur a fine and notice of closure, subject to re-inspection and education/training.

However, the third offence could see businesses being subjected to the revocation of their Environmental Health Certificate, closure and a further penalty.

The Premier said with the ‘New Regular,’ the VI has to learn to live and work with COVID-19. He encouraged all to continue social distancing, washing of hands and strict adherence to wearing masks.

25 Responses to “Cabinet approves penalties for violating COVID-19 measures”

  • resident (08/07/2020, 20:15) Like (59) Dislike (12) Reply
    I ain't wearing a mask outdoors, sorry not sorry
  • joke (08/07/2020, 20:23) Like (63) Dislike (4) Reply
    Please inform us where the need is for this heavy handed legislation. there has been no confirmed case of COVI-19 for nearly 2 months, yet he wants us all top walk about with masks on, restricy our buisnesses but won't even give out the application forms for the small/medium business grants. this is a joke and needs to be challenged legally as there is NO MEDICAL REASON for this. Its a joke
  • Big Slick Willie (08/07/2020, 20:27) Like (38) Dislike (1) Reply
    Damn. It's all about cash. You all should know best that you've managed this to ZERO cases. That's currently ZERO risk. What are you protecting against?
  • wow (08/07/2020, 21:00) Like (32) Dislike (14) Reply
    Open the damn borders!! Or do something!
    • @ SMH. I agree q00% (09/07/2020, 06:49) Like (25) Dislike (2) Reply
      They dont care, they get their big ass salaries every 2 weeks...Someone had a great suggedtion do it in stages, starting with OECS countries then add as we go along.... But only what they think make sennse to them...
  • Lb (08/07/2020, 21:03) Like (30) Dislike (1) Reply
    Laws are permanent aren't they (yes they can be amended)? So why are we writing permanent laws for a temporary situation? 2021 or 2022 we won't be dealing with covid-19 on this scale!
  • tretretrete (08/07/2020, 21:18) Like (25) Dislike (3) Reply
    Them taking this Covid 19 serious...Covid 19 aint going no where anytime soon....So, we have to co - exist with it.. I truly think that opening the Border by July 20th to Certain Regional countries worth a try. We can learn as we go along, so by the time we open up fully, or by September 1st...We wont be guessing .. We kno what works... Just my Humble opinion..
  • my thoughts (08/07/2020, 23:28) Like (5) Dislike (50) Reply
    BEAUTIFUL, CAN'T PLAY WITH COVID 19 BECAUSE COVID 19 NOT PLAY WITH US
  • look jokes (09/07/2020, 00:05) Like (29) Dislike (2) Reply
    It seems y’all looking for a war to break out in this little BVI.I hope the law goes for ALL!!!!!!
  • enforcement (09/07/2020, 06:44) Like (12) Dislike (1) Reply
    This new law is nothing to get upset about. It will be like every other law in the BVI, on paper only. Maybe some warnings get issued but there wont be any enforcement. No other laws are enforced and this one sounds even more vague than the others.
  • Chuspe (09/07/2020, 07:37) Like (41) Dislike (0) Reply
    We must be vigilant with COVID-19 but why the heavy hand legislation? This government never ceases to amaze with its bamboozling. They must know something we don’t. I am not wearing a mask outside in this hot ass place if I’m walking to my car, exercising or anything Of that nature. If I’m dining with close friend or family I will not be wearing one either. Figure out how the hell you all will get this country back on it’s feet from doing shit. The folk who depend on tourism are going under.
  • BVIslander (09/07/2020, 07:54) Like (47) Dislike (1) Reply
    This is nonsense. So are you telling me I have to wear a mask if I go out for a walk or a run early morning I have to wear a mask? What is wrong with this Government? Which fools advising them? I can understand indoors when you go inside a business place.
    • ?? (09/07/2020, 08:38) Like (29) Dislike (0) Reply

      What you mean indoors? So you will eat and drink at a bar or restaurant with a mask on? This was NOT well thought out at all and all thats going to happen is that people will stay home and businesses will suffer more!!!!!

    • wow (09/07/2020, 08:50) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
      I too wondering who advising dem....one minute they gud, next minute all hell bruk lose
  • V0TER #6 (09/07/2020, 08:40) Like (5) Dislike (16) Reply
    IF THE POLICE COME INTO PURCELL ESTATE NOT ONE SPANISH PEOPLE WEARING ANY MASK. SO IM ASKING WHO IS IN AUTHORITY CAN YOU PLEASE CHECK IT OUT MY HEALTH IS IN DANGER.
  • ThatTime (09/07/2020, 09:27) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    So bathing suits + mask?
  • GG (09/07/2020, 09:50) Like (26) Dislike (1) Reply
    I want to ask the Government of the British Virgin Islands a question. Has anyone of you done any research into what happens to the human body when continuing to breathe in CARBON DIOXIDE? Do you even know or realize that you are slowing killing the population of the BVI? Do you know that you are in effect causing health problems down the road? DO YOUR RESEARCH BEFORE IMPLEMENTING !!!
    • @wow (09/07/2020, 12:03) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
      Why are you surprised? These are the same guys that think growing weed here will make us $30 million from the world when we can't even export $30 worth of mangoes, papaya or banana to the USVI. The funniest thing is just over a year ago everyone was chanting drain the swamp, now the same people are asking where all the water gone? HA!
    • Peaches (09/07/2020, 14:41) Like (31) Dislike (0) Reply
      They did not research anything! The Premier campaigned on a promise of TRANSPARENCY! Now only when we read the newspaper, social media, or listen to the HOA we find out what they bringing. The Great God of the Universe is watching, AAF.
  • Peaches (09/07/2020, 12:27) Like (19) Dislike (0) Reply
    The man who always pretend to be calling on the Great God of the Universe. Wolf in sheep clothing!
  • hungry (09/07/2020, 23:37) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    How must i eat
  • T (10/07/2020, 07:27) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I want to know how this works because I want in two places of business half of the d workers are not wearing mask a who have mask it's under their chin so I wanted to know the rules are no mask no service so I wanted to know if it's for customer olone I need answers please
  • Criminal Record (10/07/2020, 16:14) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I stay off the blog but seriously. I am willing to obey all laws if it does not endanger my health, family or worship. I have managed to stay on the right side of the law for over 40 years and now I could have a criminal record because of a mask. i know it is the new regular but is it really necessary. 12 hours in a mask. Doctors where are you. speak up and help these people understand what the outcome of wearing a mask so long can cause. come on guys do better.
  • blindnot (11/07/2020, 16:53) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hope at some point small nations and regions like the Caribbean can think for themselves and not allow larger nations to set the direction forward. Guess it starts with having qualified \educated persons.
  • mwanake (13/07/2020, 12:13) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I hope these penalties are for all, that included police officers


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