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Exemption made for face shield usage instead of masks in certain situations

- According to latest Public Health Order
According to the Public Health (Covid-19 Control and Suppression Measures) (No. 4) Order, 2020, published in the Official Gazette on August 1, 2020, a face shield may be worn instead of a face mask in approved situations. Photo: faceshield.com
According to the Public Health (COVID-19 Control and Suppression Measures) (No. 4) Order, 2020, published in the Official Gazette on August 1, 2020, every person shall wear a face mask, at all times when in a public place, including at any establishment, gatherings and on public transportation. Photo: Internet Source
According to the Public Health (COVID-19 Control and Suppression Measures) (No. 4) Order, 2020, published in the Official Gazette on August 1, 2020, every person shall wear a face mask, at all times when in a public place, including at any establishment, gatherings and on public transportation. Photo: Internet Source
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- As the Virgin Islands and the rest of the world continues to adapt in the COVID-19 era, it is clear there is ‘no one size fits all’ measure.

This includes wearing of masks.

According to the Public Health (Covid-19 Control and Suppression Measures) (No. 4) Order, 2020, published in the Official Gazette on August 1, 2020, every person shall wear a face mask, at all times when in a public place, including at any establishment, gatherings and on public transportation.

This; however, does not apply where a person is in open air settings and maintains a physical distance of no less than six feet from any other person who may be nearby; driving alone, or is with members of his or her household; obtaining services at a healthcare facility, including hospitals, medical or dental clinics, pharmacies, elderly facilities, facilities providing veterinary care or similar services for animals, and is directed by an employee at the healthcare facility to remove his or her face mask.

A face mask, according to the Order, is also not required when consuming food or drinks; in an assigned office, which consists of an enclosed room and is not shared by other persons; at an assigned office space and physical distancing protocols are being adhered to; or required to remove the mask in order to ascertain his or her identity or for security purposes.

Face Shield

The Order also stated that a face shield may be worn instead of a face mask by a child twelve years and under, who may have difficulty wearing a face mask for a prolonged period; a person who has a health condition which may cause breathing or medical difficulties if the person wears a face mask for a prolonged period; a person who has intellectual and developmental disabilities; a person who cares for those who rely on lip reading to communicate; or a person who is speaking to a group in a classroom or lecture-style setting.

Meanwhile, every establishment including offices, businesses and organisations shall ensure that all staff and customers wear a face mask or face shield, as the case may be, when inside, or in line, to access goods or services at the establishment.

Additionally, every establishment shall ensure that all staff wear a face mask when physical distancing protocols cannot in a particular circumstance be adhered to; providing good or services in an enclosed location; performing work off-site, such as delivery services; or working in any space where food is prepared or packaged for sale or distribution to others.

The Public Health (Covid-19 Control and Suppression Measures) (No. 4) Order, 2020, signed by Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Honourable Carvin Malone (AL) shall cease to apply on October 31, 2020 unless extended by the Minister.

14 Responses to “Exemption made for face shield usage instead of masks in certain situations”

  • lol (03/08/2020, 15:33) Like (6) Dislike (4) Reply
    Law mandates wearing of mask but not the type of mask that can stop virus spread. How stupid and nonsensical!!!!
    • Proper Fit... (03/08/2020, 16:49) Like (4) Dislike (7) Reply
      And people need to wear them properly - over the nose & mouth, not just the mouth.
      Also the masks with valves do not work - they let peoples breath out, so should not be allowed!
      • @ Proper Fit (03/08/2020, 18:31) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
        Not so fast...the masks with valves that have a filter pocket with a filter in place works.

        The face shields should be worn with masks since it does not deter particles from going under or through the side, however, in this case it is being suggested for use only in certain circumstances.

    • ReX FeRal (05/08/2020, 06:27) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Which mask really stop the virus spread? You are just trying to down the the dam government. Just shut up.
  • lol (03/08/2020, 15:33) Like (8) Dislike (7) Reply
    We going soon have to take the vaccine but not me. Whole Illuminati controlling them world
    • @LOL (03/08/2020, 17:11) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
      Neither me that’s when them toys going be coming out, police got immunity, well I got it too once my life on the line
  • Ghost (03/08/2020, 16:52) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    Good move re: face shields.. “This; (masks) however, does not apply where a person is in open air settings and maintains a physical distance of no less than six feet”.. Persons “don’t” always social distance staying 6 ft apart.. From a health prospective, I would say wear your mask consistently and not depend on another “Unmasked” to protect you hoping they stay 6 feet away.. bars And indoor dining restaurants are “hot spots” for the spreading this virus; unsure why Hon. Premier they’re are open..(Outdoor dining with masks, take out or delivery-best).. In the US they’re advocating the wearing of both mask “and” face shield for added protection; also goggles for glasses and sun shades leaves the sides too exposed for the virus to get into your eyes..
  • Uneducated ppl (03/08/2020, 17:12) Like (10) Dislike (5) Reply
    Lol there’s no mask that protect you from a virus, y’all ppl crazy as hell, keep destroying your immune system
    • @Uneducated ppl (03/08/2020, 19:25) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
      Tell that to the surgeons who perform surgeries then. Humble yourself.
      • @@Uneducated ppl (04/08/2020, 05:57) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
        Lol surgeons protect the patient by wearing masks so that they don’t infect an open wound with their spit, drool or whatever
        • respect (04/08/2020, 09:44) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
          And that's the point. Masks should be worn to to protect other people. Have some respect for others.
  • Dancing in the senshine (04/08/2020, 10:50) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I think that the Minister of Health is doing an excellent job. However, in order to enforce the seriousness of the virus, he should allow the technical personnel from the ministry to explain to the BVI population.

    As I know that in order for the COVID-19 virus to survive, there must be a host. As such if all the residents wear a mask and take precautions then the virus will minimize. So it is imperative that everyone should act sensibly.


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