Got TIPS or BREAKING NEWS? Please call 1-284-442-8000 direct/can also WhatsApp same number or Email ALL news to:newsvino@outlook.com;                               ads call 1-284-440-6666

'This is a stressful time'- Gov Jaspert on global Coronavirus threat

- Urges residents to take all precautions in addition to practicing good hygiene
Governor of the Virgin Islands, His Excellency, Mr Augustus J. U. Jaspert says while it is a stressful time regarding the uncertainty surrounding the threat of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) as global infections rise, Virgin Islanders should not fear the activation of the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) at Level 1. Photo: VINO/File
On Monday, March 2, 2020, the Country's Minister of Health and Social Development, Hon Carvin Malone (AL) announced a slew of measure that the territory is taking in preparedness and response to any COVID-19 threats faced by the Virgin Islands. Photo: VINO/File
On Monday, March 2, 2020, the Country's Minister of Health and Social Development, Hon Carvin Malone (AL) announced a slew of measure that the territory is taking in preparedness and response to any COVID-19 threats faced by the Virgin Islands. Photo: VINO/File
Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has approved $3M as special funding towards implementing Government's measures against Coronavirus (COVID-19). Photo: VINO/File
Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has approved $3M as special funding towards implementing Government's measures against Coronavirus (COVID-19). Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - Governor of the Virgin Islands, His Excellency, Mr Augustus J. U. Jaspert says while it is a stressful time regarding the uncertainty surrounding the threat of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) as global infections rise, Virgin Islanders should not fear the activation of the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) at Level 1.

In a March 3, 2020 statement, Governor Jaspert noted that the NEOC activation is to prepare the Territory to have the best possible response to the ongoing global COVID-19 outbreak.

No need to fear - Gov Jaspert 

"Residents should not fear this announcement but should be reassured that Government is taking the risk of a new virus arriving on our shores very seriously. I remind you all that at Level 1, key agencies within the NEOC are closely monitoring the situation and are standing by to escalate our activation level, should that prove necessary," he said as part of his statements. 

According to the Governor, the activation effectively means the Ministry of Health in addition to other health experts will continue to lead the way as the Territory takes all prudent precautionary measures.

"Activating the NEOC will mean that our health sector experts will be supported in their work by the Department of Disaster Management in their function as a coordinating body, and by the other NEOC support structures to help share information, activate sectoral plans, identify relevant resources, and intensify all readiness actions to ensure that the Territory is adequately prepared to deal with COVID-19," Governor Jaspert noted. 

Slew of Measures implemented 

On Monday, March 2, 2020, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Social Development, Hon Carvin Malone (AL) announced a slew of measures the Territory is taking in preparedness and response to any COVID-19 threats faced by the Virgin Islands.

Honourable Malone also announced that Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has approved $3M as special funding towards implementing the measures against Coronavirus (COVID-19). 

Reiterating some of those measures, Governor Jaspert said at ports of entry, surveillance has been increased to ensure that travellers from areas that are already being affected by the virus receive all the appropriate screenings.

"The Ministry of Health continues to work closely with regional and global health agencies to make sure that we are operating from the most up-to-date information about the characteristics of the virus as well as its prevalence."

He said they have further stood up the Quarantine Authority so that Ports, Customs and Immigration officers can be advised of the latest safety and screening precautions. 

Practice Good Hygiene 

Governor Jaspert urged the people of the Territory that protection is prevention, and the best prevention against the virus is to practice good hand and respiratory hygiene by washing hands thoroughly and regularly and covering sneezes and coughs.

"I know that this is a stressful time, especially for those of you who are caring for young children, the elderly, or others who may have compromised immune systems. Please continue to take every precaution at your homes, schools and businesses, and be assured that the government is doing the same," Governor Jaspert said.

In the neighbouring United States Virgin Islands (USVI), some three individuals are considered Persons Under Investigation (PUIs) of having contracted the rapidly spreading coronavirus, local media reported.

23 Responses to “'This is a stressful time'- Gov Jaspert on global Coronavirus threat ”

  • my 2 cents (04/03/2020, 10:53) Like (29) Dislike (33) Reply
    Having him as governor is also stressful
  • SB (04/03/2020, 11:21) Like (6) Dislike (10) Reply
    I will say this again if you don't eat CHIT on a regular basis. You exercise and drink plenty of water add in some vitamins you have a LESS chance of ever contracting this. But we all know this a pipe dream cause you all MS like to over indulge. Welp bummer good luck. Oh yeah wash your hands and yuh ARSE.
    • @ SB (04/03/2020, 11:55) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
      since when you turn doctor
      • SB (05/03/2020, 07:50) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
        That’s you all problem you wait for a doctor to tell you something. Any good doctor will say you have to be YOUR 1st doctor research symptoms etc. Anyways just giving my 2cent if you get and die you die bumner.
    • Laura (04/03/2020, 12:39) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
      Stop being so misinformed. Cov-id 19 has nothing to do with diet.. Anyone can catch it and anyone can die from it.. Healthy or not. But practicing healthy hygiene does increase ones chances. Too many people acting like it doesn't matter; it won't come here but bear in mind the BVI is just an island... consider how the bigger countries/nations are coping and give thanks it hasn't hit our shores yet
      • SB (04/03/2020, 14:51) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
        1st show me a melanin sufficient individual that died. 2nd my post stated being healthy decreases one chance of getting COVID-19 not make you immune. If you think it has nothing to do with it I'm waiting for a person with an Alkaline body to catch it. I'll wait, Last but not least ...you know who your father is? Stop talking to me B
      • @Laura (04/03/2020, 15:53) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
        You are misinformed! Every illness especially viruses have everything to do with lifestyle, why? I don't think SB is saying if you eat well you won't get the virus, but what he is saying is if you do get it you are MORE LIKELY TO SURVIVE because you have a healthier body to fight it/recover. If you look at the statistics, the persons dying from regular flu or corona virus are persons with weak immune systems, pre-existing conditions etc. If you are unhealthy and not taking proper care of your body you are susceptible to any illness that's passing and more likely to be hit harder or worst, die from it. I think that it's simple common sense to reason that the healthier you are, the better your chances at fighting and surviving any illness.
  • wow (04/03/2020, 12:32) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    You can see this an an opportunity or you can see this as stressful; I choose the former and I will stand alone if I have to.
  • Youth (04/03/2020, 13:13) Like (3) Dislike (31) Reply
    The sooner this waste of time Governor leaves the better.
    • Feel m Sad. (05/03/2020, 09:08) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
      The suffering of the innocent by a decease release by Russia KGB.. Russia is causing kaos all over the world their goal is to have the world unstable for their benefit... My Heart aches when I think of the thousands of innocent people working on Cruise ships that's going to lose their Jobs. Other industry workers all over the world who will lose their Jobs. I cry for the innocent that get sick and die.... Their is someone some heartless country behind this.. Why? ...Feel n Sad.
  • facts (04/03/2020, 13:15) Like (1) Dislike (16) Reply

    The BVI needs to becareful with this snake in the Grass go......

  • GOV (04/03/2020, 13:37) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    Governor, you are doing well. How many will try to be positive in all this? Will all the people in the world die? China still have millions living even though the disease stem from there. These BVI people lack gratitude. You do and You are damned. You don't do and you are still damned. Not even Trump, Putin or Al Queda getting handle and they on here with their BS.

    SMDH
  • rattie (04/03/2020, 14:56) Like (2) Dislike (15) Reply
    Governor must go he is very immature
  • son of the soil (05/03/2020, 06:04) Like (0) Dislike (4) Reply
    When will we get a black governor?
    • huhu (05/03/2020, 08:54) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      a black governor? for the corruption and injustice to continue, yeah say something else. now feel free to converse amongst yourselves.hmmmmm
    • when (05/03/2020, 09:38) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      When will you stop judging people by the color of their skin?
  • 007 (05/03/2020, 08:41) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    "When are you going to start Screening at the ports on entry?
  • Not good (05/03/2020, 09:02) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Nothing good about this disease .. Bad press. Fear, illness. Death. Economical decline... We all have to be concerned....


Create a comment


Create a comment

Disclaimer: Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) welcomes your thoughts, feedback, views, bloggs and opinions. However, by posting a blogg you are agreeing to post comments or bloggs that are relevant to the topic, and that are not defamatory, liable, obscene, racist, abusive, sexist, anti-Semitic, threatening, hateful or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be excluded permanently from making contributions. Please view our declaimer above this article. We thank you in advance for complying with VINO's policy.

Follow Us On

Disclaimer: All comments posted on Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) are the sole views and opinions of the commentators and or bloggers and do not in anyway represent the views and opinions of the Board of Directors, Management and Staff of Virgin Islands News Online and its parent company.