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More businesses approved to open in partial lockdown

-Premier Andrew A. Fahie urges community to limit movement during day
Even as the territory has recorded a spate of new COVID-19 cases, Cabinet has taken bold steps to allow a broader category of business and entities to operate in the current 5:00 pm to 5:00 am, 14-day curfew that commenced from Wednesday, August 26, 2020. Photo: VINO/File
According to Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) in statements released last evening August 28, 2020, the National Security Council has now instructed the Attorney General to draft a new Curfew Order No. 29 to include a list of more business categories. Photo: GIS/File
According to Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) in statements released last evening August 28, 2020, the National Security Council has now instructed the Attorney General to draft a new Curfew Order No. 29 to include a list of more business categories. Photo: GIS/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - Even as the territory has recorded a spate of new COVID-19 cases, Cabinet has taken bold steps to allow a broader category of business and entities to operate in the current 5:00 pm to 5:00 am, 14-day curfew that commenced from Wednesday, August 26, 2020.

Previously, only certain categories of essential businesses like supermarkets/minimarts, approved delivery services, healthcare providers, pharmacies/drug stores, bakeries, banks, fuel and LPG Station etc were allowed to operate. 

Now according to Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) in statements released last evening August 28, 2020, the National Security Council has now instructed the Attorney General to draft a new Curfew Order No. 29 to include a list of more business categories. 

Additional businesses

Effective today, August 29, 2020, hardware and building supplies stores, suppliers of hurricane shutters, restaurants for takeout and deliveries, Computer equipment and office suppliers, Bakery supplies and Laundries for drop off and delivery/pick up services can now operate in addition to existing approve businesses.

Construction teams, churches and faith-based activities will also be allowed, however, gatherings will have a strict size limit of 10 people. 

"We continue as a people to stem the tide as we navigate in ‘The New Regular’ of living and working with COVID-19. We remain under a daily curfew from 5:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. for the time being," Hon Fahie said. 

The Premier also strongly encouraged persons to limit their movements during the day in order to give Health Authorities an opportunity to engage in aggressive contact tracing.

29 Responses to “More businesses approved to open in partial lockdown”

  • life goes on (29/08/2020, 11:58) Like (23) Dislike (0) Reply
    This ia good.. . We cant everytime we get a case or two, we punish the people, this virus is not going to go away. We have to have a plan to co-exist...while keeping this thing at bay....
  • KHOY (29/08/2020, 11:59) Like (67) Dislike (11) Reply
    Please keep the bars, strip clubs and whorehouses closed down indefinitely
    • @ Khoy (29/08/2020, 13:06) Like (11) Dislike (6) Reply
      From high school days I’ve been hearing there was a whorehouse in near the school to today you hearing people, police, teachers frequenting strip clubs. Can’t be speaking about God having prayers and not closing down these brothels.
      • tretretrete (29/08/2020, 13:56) Like (16) Dislike (13) Reply
        Struups. Everyone needs to make a living, Khoy. Let me guess your current situation, a grown ass man living with your parents. Leave the comments to grown working folks with financial responsibilities. Stop your ignorance, Khoy. We don't have time for this shit. All businesses is necessary to keep the economy strong. Poor government leadership without stimulus relief for the people is a huge problem. They are free to move around, and continue to receive their paychecks without delay. We are the ones drowning! I can't get off the island because of the price gouging. I am stuck here losing a part of myself everyday. UK, help us now!!!! We need intervention.



        • @ hmmm (29/08/2020, 15:09) Like (7) Dislike (3) Reply
          You think you’ll be throwing dollar bills on the Judgment Day or running and hiding in fear... we shouldn’t be living to satisfy the flesh.

          Just like we have to tests to graduate from school this earthly life is a test to be accepted into Heaven.

          It’s not an automatic pass.
    • suffering (29/08/2020, 13:12) Like (10) Dislike (6) Reply
      You need to rethink your statement. We are all suffering. I am in agreement to shutdown the culprits not the innocent. Night businesses are trying to make a living like everyone. Ignorance is bliss!!! Small businesses keep the economy going strong. What we need is stronger leadership that thinks about the entire community and not a handful of their friends. Government leaders should step in our suffering shoes. Meaning, no money or means to feed our families. Where is the lifeline for us all? We need outside leadership now, so we can at least have a chance of survive Covid-19 dilemma. Forward thinking is what we need!! This current government will be our demise!!!
    • speak out (29/08/2020, 13:24) Like (15) Dislike (6) Reply
      KHOY, YOU COULD NOT HAVE SAID IT ANY BETTER. LOLZ
  • Illogical (29/08/2020, 12:06) Like (24) Dislike (6) Reply
    Here’s the thing...what’s the difference between this and other businesses that have 10 staff or less opening?

    What’s the difference between this and children going to school on a shift system?

    There is NO REAL PLAN. Decisions appear to be made on a whim or based on pressure from colleagues.

    The Update claims that for the most part people are practicing social distancing and safety when that is not the case.

    Drive through any village and you would see.

    Police need to be patrolling.

    Sadly, the public continues to laugh at the threat of fines.
  • Moving forward (29/08/2020, 12:08) Like (15) Dislike (2) Reply
    We have to make forward steps to opening our borders and our economy.. Time to get Civil Servants out to work,. Let's move the country forward... Encourage people to work to earn to be productive,, We will be ok. Our future will be greater. . This storm will soon pass..
  • Tek time (29/08/2020, 12:13) Like (16) Dislike (2) Reply
    New regular my backside.Y'all 3peace suit demons walking around here better be able to deal with what's coming.according to how you make up your bed you lye down in it. if you get financially hert in this struggle what they creating, please attack the rich, not poor people like you. Table must turn.
    • @Tek Time (29/08/2020, 13:13) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
      I like you ! Don’t mind these evil ppl not everybody see it for what it is buh new regular ain’t no such thing unless it’s irregular

  • ... (29/08/2020, 12:43) Like (3) Dislike (7) Reply
    I need to send some money western union, plus I need my hair cut come on let loose the economy
  • vi (29/08/2020, 13:45) Like (16) Dislike (2) Reply
    We need a task force with health inspectors ensuring our people and business are following safety protocol .
    1 or 2 to check all open business daily to makes sure mask are on properly, hands are sanitize before entering.
    protecting the border is a must but that can't be all.
    • @ vi (29/08/2020, 15:11) Like (16) Dislike (1) Reply
      Govt Employees need to follow safety measures and standards themselves first before inspecting anyone else.
  • u (29/08/2020, 14:48) Like (2) Dislike (6) Reply
    If you want to send money tie the money on a peace of string put in the air and let it go to it distation u fool people talking about health u talking about money u come meet money u will die and left money (I bet it is a Jamaican money creek)
  • Why (29/08/2020, 16:17) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    When these businesses open and others don’t I guess those that are close the staffs must go and die for hunger.When those places are open who is going to shop when majority are not open and those employees cannot find money. I put in for stimulus package from June I didn’t get and my job open up now my job is close how will I pay my bills. I think the Covid is here to get rid of the poor while the rich be happy and don’t think of anyone but themselves. It’s not nice mr premier, It should be a level playing field let everyone eat while you take all the precautions. It’s sad
  • department stores (29/08/2020, 17:38) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    I don't see department stores on this list but somehow the dept store in Duff's Bottom was open today. HMMM... does this only apply to some while others do as they wish?
  • useless white governor (29/08/2020, 18:24) Like (1) Dislike (7) Reply
    gus and mick have let us down again so much for in charge of security this what happens when you entrust our lives to 2 white Mavericks even uk don’t want them... not hard to protect us yet they just boast on social media their lavish lifestyle and holidays while we starve and they on our necks

    Can’t wait for them to leave soon.

    Couldn’t even find Junior Peters their black servant rotting under their noses. Why he had to work 2 jobs? gus and mick don’t even work one job yet we pay them equivalent of 50 black people.....

    Wake up VI!
  • mega (29/08/2020, 19:23) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    All of you just need to put God first and thank him for giving you life and what ever you have and stop worrying about the worldly things . He is our provider and savior and everything under the sun. After all is said and done the government can't save you from hell. Start praying because our time on earth is soon up. He doesn't give us more than we can bear.
  • look (29/08/2020, 19:24) Like (1) Dislike (7) Reply
    We had a 5to 5 curfew we now need a a month's full lock down we should have enough foods to keep us through the government is doing a great job fom now on people should pay for their tests costing the government too much
  • SLS (Six Life Savers) (29/08/2020, 19:48) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    Six ventilators 30,000 - 40,000 mortals. Ventilators are the lifelines.
    When the bodies commence to load up the hospital, how will these crucial equipment be
    distributed?Chances are that the updeislunfolks and dingo folks will be the first to lead entry into the hospital wards and beds
    Locals on their own,without ventilators. Local VIslanders are the real victims and in their own country. Their resentments are justified. They have been duped by those pandering for election and reelection. Bars,brothels, strip clubs are not a part of the VI culture. Their economy thrived and they were sustained without these evils.However, their lives and livelihoods are threatened as a result of the overlooked and illicit activities attributed to these establishments.
    • @SLS (29/08/2020, 21:07) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
      Do you even know what a ventilator is, how it works and when/why a patient is put on one? Stop the fucking fearmongering for god sake!!!
      • Tis You (30/08/2020, 04:11) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Evidently,you are in panic mode realizing that the resident idiots might come to realize that they have no chance .
        Why not educate the blogger and the victimized public about ventilators and their crucial role in this pandemic.
        Here is hoping you suffocate s l o w l y .you useless piece of protoplasm.
  • Lucifer (29/08/2020, 21:45) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
    Are churches and faith based activities more essential than financial services? I know which ones will be picking up the bill from all of this and it wont be the churches. I am struggling to see how going to an office and sitting at desks which are socially distanced is any more risky than attending church (or going shopping for that matter)
  • closure (29/08/2020, 23:18) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    The bars and nightclubs need to remain close. This is not our culture and we have allowed these type of businesses to come and take over the BVI. East End, Humtums Gut, Sea Cows Bay are over crowded with bars. The Spanish people sitting outside just loitering and drinking all day. We can do a whole lot better. The men spend all their time and money there and their families at home being neglected.

    Keep the bars closed. It's not benefiting our children just causing the virus to spread.

    Keep the lockdown on as well. Force the men to go home early.
  • Windy (30/08/2020, 01:39) Like (2) Dislike (4) Reply
    I need to do my hair and nails
  • No regard for God (30/08/2020, 06:03) Like (2) Dislike (5) Reply
    Government/Environmental Health blame yourselves for the spread of this virus. You all put pressure on the churches in that four-page document that you sent out (2x). Those draconian laws did not include the bars and nightclubs, only the churches. The churches are the foundation of any society/country, of the world. How could you all put pressure on the church like that? The churches should be allowed to open to intercede on the country's behalf. It is an insult to God to say only 10 persons at church, yet the Premier keep quoting the bible and calling on God everytime he opens his mouth.

    This government needs to repent for having their knee in the neck of the church. God is not pleased. When christians are in church we do not be all up in each other's faces and hugging and kissing up like the people who go to those bars and nightclubs. It is also a shame that the members are not allowed to share the bible or a hymnal!! yet on the job you can pass documents around!! This whole thing is sick!! It is a plot from the pit of hell to treat God's people the way you all are doing.

    If those bars and night clubs were remained closed we would not be in this predicament. We were doing so well.

    Shame!! Shame!! God is watching and He will stand up for his church!

    PREMIER OPEN UP THE CHURCHES!! LET PRAYERS GO UP FOR THIS NATION!
  • @ Lucifer (30/08/2020, 07:44) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I’m thinking the same thing, it seems Corona is telling the government where it will be attacking so sorry the other places that are closed was reported that the virus coming to look for you. This is ridiculous. Also I think the reason why there’s not a full lockdown is because the government can’t afford to find food for everyone but if the businesses are close how will some find food?
  • Education (30/08/2020, 07:59) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    what you people want the Premier to do if there is a lock down or curfew how can he open all places such as the church yes God is to be respected you donot have to go to church to pray and for God to hear our prayers people get a grip God sees and he know what is going on you just cannot please people, The premier is doing the best he can to keep us virus free He cannot give the final word about the shuting down of churches what happen to the pastors, bishops ,ministers and those who are in charge people stop looking at things from a cloak attitude there is also the jacket The Lord is seeing what all of us are doing be it if church is open or not You perfer to go out in the name of going to church and then some thing may happen the Lord does not want regular church goers he wants your heart
    so learn to praise the LORD anywhere. every where. and everytime


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