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Coronavirus: BVI Hong Kong staff under strict quarantine- Premier Fahie

- No word on if gov't plans to bring staff back to VI
Staff at the BVI Hong Kong House will remain under strict quarantine as per recommendations of local authorities. Photo: LinkedIn
According to the Premier, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1), staff of the BVI House Asia will now only enter the office twice weekly for essential functions and documents. Photo: Youtube/HoA
According to the Premier, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1), staff of the BVI House Asia will now only enter the office twice weekly for essential functions and documents. Photo: Youtube/HoA
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - Updating the House on the impacts of the Novel-Coronavirus outbreak on overseas offices and employees of the Virgin Islands (VI), Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (F1) says staff at the BVI Hong Kong House will remain under strict quarantine as per recommendations of local authorities.

"Since the outbreak of the Novel-Coronavirus, the government of the Virgin Islands has strictly adhered to the recommendations and policies of the Hong Kong Authorities to ensure the safety of the staff and office premises at BVI House Asia. This included the recommendations of working from home and the suspension of government services at our Hong Kong location," he said. 

Premier Fahie made the statements at today's February 20, 2020, Fifth Sitting of the Second Session of the Fourth House of Assembly (HoA) at the HoA Chambers in Road Town, Tortola.

According to the Premier, staff will now only enter the office twice weekly for essential functions and documents, "All precautions are being taken to ensure the safety and health of the staff and safety of office premises" he said.

Regular checks being made 

Hon Fahie noted that government will continue to conduct regular wellness checks, and local VI authorities will be on standby to offer assistance when the need arises as the quarantine continues. 

"Employees are provided with private car services to avoid the usage of public transportation, office access is undertaken only during none peak office," Premier Fahie noted. 

With a promise that his administration will do all that is necessary to protect the health and wellbeing of employees, the Premier said that the Territory's US and UK offices are not at risk as a result of the virus. 

The Premier, however, has not indicated whether the government has plans to bring staff from the Hong Kong Office back to the Virgin Islands.

5 Responses to “Coronavirus: BVI Hong Kong staff under strict quarantine- Premier Fahie ”

  • Payers (20/02/2020, 12:34) Like (41) Dislike (2) Reply
    With all due respect, please keep them in Hong Kong.
    • Krazy (20/02/2020, 13:38) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
      I totally agree with you. if the government decides to bring home the employees from its UK and Asia offices, unless they are checking in themselves at the airport and swiping their own passports they can very well be exposed to the virus if one of the agents comes in contact with the virus unaware.
  • tretretrete (20/02/2020, 14:20) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    If things get worse Govt can easily arrange for UK govt to hold them at one of their quarantine centres in UK for the required 14 days (after all they are British citizens). In quarantine they are monitored and tested. Once they receive a clean bill of health then Govt can fly them home. This really shouldnt be difficult

    • Lula (20/02/2020, 16:05) Like (10) Dislike (3) Reply
      It was recently discovered that lots of the cruise passengers who were in quarantine and given the all clear are now coming down with the virus, so it is a difficult thing.
      • @Lula (20/02/2020, 19:16) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
        Sorry but there is a difference between being quarantined on a ship with already infected persons including staff and being quarantined in a medically approved quarantine site in UK.
        The Japanese officials have been criticised for how they handled the whole cruise ship affair. Not to be confused with proper quarantine facilities and procedures.
        Would you rather have them come straight to BVI fom Hong Kong?


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