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VI records 13 active COVID cases! Gov't limits gatherings

The Government of the Virgin Islands has announced that the territory now has a total of 13 active COVID-19 cases and has since reduced the crowd size for social functions both indoors and outdoors. Photo: VINO/File
Gatherings for churches shall not exceed 100 persons at any given time. Photo: VINO/File
Gatherings for churches shall not exceed 100 persons at any given time. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The Government of the Virgin Islands has announced that the territory now has a total of 13 active COVID-19 cases and has since reduced the crowd size for social functions both indoors and outdoors.

A statement from Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Carvin Malone (AL), on Thursday, April 1, 2021, said: “The number of active, positive cases is now reported at 13, and this figure continues to slowly climb as the hard-working Public Health team conduct their contact tracing exercises.

“While no drastic actions are required at this time, it is prudent to allow the mass testings scheduled for the 6th through the 8th of April to be completed and avoid any inadvertent spread of the virus,” he said.

Reduce crowd size

Meanwhile, Minister Malone said Cabinet decided to reduce the crowd size for all events and “the strong, very strong advice to consider the cancellation of this weekend's group or crowd activities and to observe all health and safety protocols.”

This was further revealed via the Public Health (Covid-19 Control and Suppression Measures) Order, 2021, which was gazetted on March 31, 2021.

It said: “The Minister, in the exercise of the powers conferred by sections 13, 14 and 15 of the Public Health Ordinance (Cap. 194) makes this Order. These Orders are made for the purpose of protecting public health and for the prevention, control and suppression of the spread of the virus.” 

It continued: “Subject to subsections (2) and (3), all gatherings shall be limited to one person per sixty-four square feet and shall not exceed seventy-five persons at any given time, and in the case of vulnerable persons, the gathering shall be limited to no more than five persons, as certified by the Chief Environmental Health Officer. (2) Subsection (1) shall not apply to the following gatherings, which shall be limited to one person per sixty-four square feet and shall not exceed one hundred persons at any given time: (a) a faith-based service; (b) a graduation ceremony; (c) a wedding ceremony; (d) a funeral. (3) Where the organisers of an outdoor event anticipate that the event will exceed a gathering of seventy-five persons, he or she shall make a written request to the Minister, seeking permission to hold the event.”

12 Responses to “VI records 13 active COVID cases! Gov't limits gatherings”

  • asking for a friend (01/04/2021, 11:50) Like (9) Dislike (3) Reply
    oh boy on an Easter weekend?
  • Future Article (01/04/2021, 11:56) Like (18) Dislike (12) Reply
    All 13 have recovered lol the games mehson once your a critical thinker you can put all the pieces of this puzzle together
  • Ah, Folks... (01/04/2021, 12:30) Like (22) Dislike (27) Reply
    Please let go of the vaccine aversion and just get vaccinated. For the benefit of the Community, PLEASE!
    You can believe in God and believe in science at the same time!
    • @ Ah folks (02/04/2021, 02:07) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
      Listen
      If you got the vaccine good for you.
      This is a personal choice just like voting.
      You act like the vaccine prevents shi$.

      It doesn’t ok.
      Besides nobody is going to bully me to take part of this vaccine trial.
      I don’t know why they calling it a vaccine anyway.
      Vaccines supposed to prevent.
  • brian (01/04/2021, 12:31) Like (51) Dislike (2) Reply
    We were safe. Reduced crowds and social distancing was supposed to be in effect already, who changed it? They should be held accountable for this careless negligence. They allowed it and now all of us will suffer for it.
    • Half Salary,,,@ brain (01/04/2021, 14:14) Like (8) Dislike (5) Reply
      They all need to start getting half pay until things are batter, then they wont bw this careless and irresponsible,...They getting full pay no matter what so they aint really genuinely care...
  • Cooper (01/04/2021, 12:44) Like (57) Dislike (25) Reply
    Just let's go on as normal and who gets the virus gets it . The government on the media everyday begging you all to go take the vaccine and instead of listening to science you people listening to youtube bloggers.
    • @ Cooper (01/04/2021, 16:51) Like (12) Dislike (7) Reply
      Not YouTube bloggers, medical experts who have been involved with vaccine manufacturing are warning against it.

      Get off VINO and check for yourself.
    • nonsense (01/04/2021, 17:03) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
      @ Cooper: That approach works, but then we have to accept that plenty of people will die unnecessarily. If you OK with one of them being one of your loved ones, go ahead. If everyone or majority get the vaccine, the risk of serious disease/death, drops off substantially.
  • Vaccine (01/04/2021, 14:40) Like (8) Dislike (3) Reply
    Now how much of those 13 cases are ppl that got vaccinated . N now the percentage of COVID 19 virus that’s in the vaccine. Have them getting positive results now .
  • Leveller (01/04/2021, 19:20) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
    All vulnerable have been able to get the vaccine if they wanted it. If they don’t, that’s their problem. Let’s go get on with life. Easter is a time for partying. 4 day weekend. #Fridayneverends
  • wow (02/04/2021, 08:41) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    No-one forced individuals to attend Mass Gatherings with or without.face masks or to practice Social Distancing. Grown Folks need to take responsibility of their Actions and stop trying to blame Others. It's simple as ABC! Wear the mask, practice Social Distancing, washing and sanitizing hands. Do they want people to hold their hands and lead them or wipe their behinds? It's time to grow out of ignorant and insensitive mentalities.



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