As the Virgin Islands continues its phased reopening following total shutdown due to the presence of the coronavirus in the Territory, Cabinet has decided to further push back the curfew as well as relax other measures. Photo: VINO/File

The Virgin Islands is currently COVID-19 free but the Government led by Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has not been too anxious to drop its guard as it seems to have learned an important lesson from countries that have rushed to lift restrictions only to then register new cases. Photo: VINO/File

The curfew will be pushed back from 10:00pm to midnight and end at 5:00am beginning today, June 18, 2020.

Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) in a statement yesterday, June 17, 2020, said Cabinet advised that the National Security Council instruct the Attorney General to draft a new Curfew Order No. 22 of 2020 which takes effect 18 June to include:

1. move the curfew hours to midnight to 5:00 am;
2. extend the hours of access to beaches from 5:00 am – 7:00 pm;
3. an increase of mass gatherings for faith-based organisations, graduations, weddings and funerals, only, with one person per 64 square feet, up to a maximum of 100 people;
4. allow private vessels to use Territorial waters during full daylight hours from 5:00 am to 7:00 pm;  and,
5. allow ferries to operate in Territorial waters within the Curfew hours between 5:00 am and midnight.

‘We are becoming complacent’

“As we continue to move forward in a controlled way, I want to encourage all of us not to let down our guard,” Premier Fahie urged.

He also said; however, he was concerned that people are not social distancing by standing six feet apart from each other.

“We are becoming complacent. We are not wearing our masks which should only cover our nose to our chin. Each day we ignore these important steps as COVID-19 continues, we are putting our lives at risk.”

Premier Fahie also said, nevertheless, he was optimistic that persons will stay the course.

“By working with your Government, together we continue to reawaken and strengthen our economy as we work to protect our Virgin Islands for future generations to come.

I give you my assurance as Leader of this Territory that your Government in the midst of the challenges and adversity will stay true to the God of our forefathers; true to our purpose as Virgin Islanders; while remaining steadfast in purpose and diligent in our actions.”

The Virgin Islands is currently COVID-19 free but the Government has not been too anxious to drop its guard as it seems to have learned an important lesson from countries that have rushed to lift restrictions only to then register new cases.