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COVID-19: Public 'strongly advised to avoid all large gatherings’- Dr Georges

-event organisers urged to defer large gatherings in light high active COVID-19 cases
The Virgin Islands (VI) entered the new year with 423 cases of COVID-19 based on the result of testing done on December 30, 2021, and reported on December 31, 2021, and according to acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr Ronald E. Geroges the Health Ministry is now very concerned that some people continue to not heed advice to restrict movement and gatherings. Photo: GIS/Facebook
Dr Ronald E. Geroges said for the weekend celebrations, some organizers have taken the innovative approach to require or organise rapid testing prior to events. Photo: Internet Source
Dr Ronald E. Geroges said for the weekend celebrations, some organizers have taken the innovative approach to require or organise rapid testing prior to events. Photo: Internet Source
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – As the New Year’s 2022 weekend celebrations continue, the Virgin Islands (VI) public is being strongly advised against attending large gatherings and social events given the current spike in COVID-19 cases attributed to the Delta variant.

The territory entered 2022 with 423 active cases of COVID-19 based on the result of testing done on December 30, 2021, and reported on December 31, 2021.

According to acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr Ronald E. Geroges the Health Ministry is now 'very concerned' that some continue to not heed the advice of public health officials to restrict movement and gatherings. 

“We continue to see large gatherings and lack of adherence to measures.  The public is strongly advised to avoid all large gatherings, and to strictly adhere to the public health protocols,” he said in a December 31, 2021, statement.

Defer large gatherings - Dr Georges  

“We are asking all organizers to do the responsible thing and defer large gatherings at this time. If you do have a gathering do ensure that there is strict mask-wearing and adherence to public health measures at these events and that numbers of persons are limited,” he said.

Meanwhile, Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) has received reports of large Old Years Night parties across the territory where patrons may have breached the local public health guidelines. 

“The Government continues to take the approach of not implementing any drastic measures which will negatively influence the economy and therefore the onus is on persons, all of us, to be responsible and heed the advice to keep you and all of us safe,” Dr Georges added.

He said for the weekend celebrations, some organizers have taken the innovative approach to require or organise rapid testing prior to events. 

“This is a welcome approach and provides some assurance but is not foolproof.  There is no substitute for a well-fitted mask, hand washing, social distancing, and avoidance of gatherings for the prevention of infection,” he added.

33 Responses to “COVID-19: Public 'strongly advised to avoid all large gatherings’- Dr Georges”

  • oh so it go? (01/01/2022, 15:04) Like (33) Dislike (0) Reply
    Ok after Foxy's made his money
    • hey hey go (03/01/2022, 08:17) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
      white tessa made the money not foxy
    • Linda (03/01/2022, 16:20) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Too late avoiding large gatherings, the party is over and now we must wait and see the outcome. I hope it is not bad.
  • BOY geOrge (01/01/2022, 15:26) Like (17) Dislike (3) Reply
    U MISSED THE PARTY
  • ? (01/01/2022, 15:43) Like (15) Dislike (2) Reply
    Poor us but not the one you drive to...........
    can't stop the party now .
  • thank you (01/01/2022, 15:52) Like (37) Dislike (6) Reply
    Thank you Dr. Georges for keeping us informed of what is going on I appreciate all that you are doing. Some people seems to think that they are living in a protective bubble or is immune to what is going on. COVID does not discriminate. The New Year celebration at JVD has opened the doors for a super spreader
    • To thank you (01/01/2022, 18:42) Like (21) Dislike (0) Reply
      Agree with your words. But would add, JVD hosted a Super spreader.
  • Crs (01/01/2022, 16:07) Like (20) Dislike (8) Reply
    Thank you Ronald Fauci
  • Minister? (01/01/2022, 16:32) Like (25) Dislike (9) Reply
    I hope that these large organizers will be fined according to the legislation ....the pictures and videos circulating are sufficient evidence.
  • Native Senior citizen of the British Viirgin Islands (01/01/2022, 16:54) Like (21) Dislike (3) Reply
    Thanks Dr. Ronald Georges for your honest, wise, encouraging concern It is not hàrd to see that money making, and pleasurous activities are favoured over health, and live in the BVI. This is nothing short of pure ignorance. Rather than good governance, this is goofy government, tolerance tolerance pactices.
  • balo (01/01/2022, 17:35) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    Omicron just reach to the party
    • @Balo (02/01/2022, 06:24) Like (2) Dislike (6) Reply
      Omicron is the flu. It’s flu season dum dum
      • @@Balo (02/01/2022, 10:19) Like (5) Dislike (3) Reply
        Omicron is not the flu dum dum, yes you may have flu symptoms, but it is not the common flu. Stop using the excuse about it is flu season. Once flu season is over maybe you and the rest of the silly ones will realize it.
  • Had to do what I had to do (01/01/2022, 17:52) Like (65) Dislike (11) Reply
    I cautioned my husband about going to to the New Year celebrations on JVD, he said he was not a child and I am not going to tell him what to do. Well, Mr. Mr. still went. Well he is not allowed back in the house and is now staying at his mothers house. He is not allowed back in the house until he quarantine and take a COVID test. He already knows if he comes back to the home, I will have the police escort him from the property for breaking house rules. Mother in law is angry with me but I could care less.
    • chupes (01/01/2022, 22:12) Like (14) Dislike (24) Reply
      Your husband should leave your silly a$$. Covid is not going to stop me from being with my husband.
      • @ Chupes (02/01/2022, 05:15) Like (6) Dislike (9) Reply

        And you need to stay out of married people business. She was right to do what she did. I can tell you are one of those silly dumb @## WOMEN THAT WILL ALLOW YOUR HUSBAND TO INFECT YOU WITH A STD AND BE FINE WITH IT. LEARN HOW TO MIND YOUR OWN DAMN BUSINESS AND GO CLEAN OUT YOUR FILTY CLOSET YOU OLDER LOOKING THAN YOUR TRUE AGE TYPICAL ISLAND WOMAN.

        • Well Sah (02/01/2022, 09:59) Like (9) Dislike (8) Reply
          @ Chupes , Since she put her business with her husband in the blogs it’s everybody’s business now. Her husband is a sisi, looks like she wear the pant and he wear the skirts. Dem idiots.
          • @wellsah (02/01/2022, 20:51) Like (2) Dislike (8) Reply
            Wa her husband name is?? Let me find that niggga and take him home with me.
      • Had to do what I had to do (02/01/2022, 10:09) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
        @chupes or what ever your name is, I could careless what you and anyone else have to say or think. I am using simple common sense when it comes to the safety of my home and my two children. FYI, I am not worried about my husband leaving my a$$ because I am very secured in my marriage unlike yourself. You have a wonderful day. Go out and have a mimosa with a splash of orange juice if you know what that is dimwit.
    • @ Had to do what I had to do (02/01/2022, 06:25) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
      33 degree sheep mehson lol no hope for this island
  • Take heed people.. (01/01/2022, 18:52) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
    Its the peak of flu season and the flu is easily transmissible...
  • My only comment (01/01/2022, 19:20) Like (25) Dislike (5) Reply
    Out of ignorance and a lack of simple common sense, most of you don’t care about playing Russian Roulette with your lives.COVID is on the loose in Tortola and I can’t understand why this event was allowed to take place. Everyone was bunched up on each other maskless. I agree, nothing but a super spreader. Maybe Tortola is getting ready to eliminate most of it’s population.
    • @my only concern (02/01/2022, 00:03) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
      What kind of irresponsible madness is going on? Why would any event planner or the authorities would allow so many people to gather together knowing what is going on with COVID on the rise. I am also apt to believe perhaps the BVI is trying to eliminate most of their population. Everyone at that event vaccinated or not vaccinated put themselves at risk.
  • Bawl foul (01/01/2022, 21:00) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
    With the weather change how will we know what's flu from covid
  • Thing is (01/01/2022, 22:09) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    Most of them is going to go back to their place of employment next week like nothing and take the virus to their workplace. I just don’t understand what is so hard about wearing a mask, social distancing and keeping hands clean. If I had known always comes to late.
  • Madussa (01/01/2022, 23:37) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    There were New Year's Eve parties everywhere. You can't pinpoint one place only, they were in every nook and cranny. If this gets any further out of hand, we will have another lockdown and curfew. So sad, just as we were getting back on our feet. What is wrong with you people????
    • agreed (02/01/2022, 09:51) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
      Another lockdown and curfew is coming soon. Would agree, we were getting back to normal and the selfish ones that only care about themselves is going to put us right back to where we were a couple of months ago or worse.
  • eastend (01/01/2022, 23:37) Like (30) Dislike (1) Reply
    What about the big party in Trellis Bay?
    Another BIG spreader
  • Concern Citizen (02/01/2022, 09:11) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    After all the COVID related deaths we had last year, you would think people will do better and stop this madness but no, they don't. May God have mercy on us all.
  • Because (02/01/2022, 10:27) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    They done forgot about all the COVID related deaths that we had last year. I agree, total madness and selfishness upon this land. The attitude is as long as it is not me why should I care.
  • Al of a sudden (02/01/2022, 13:57) Like (8) Dislike (3) Reply
    Dem vaccinated people find a thing to say and hold on to , hear them , super spreader and thing. You all safe , you all vaxxed what’s the worry , leave we purebloods live our lives without fear of Carvin Gates and Ronald Fauci. Hon Fahie not even studying them , he thinking business right now. Elections and winning. Let the people eat and staying open. We had 2000 plus cases and we lost a few , this too shall pass. Be strong pure bloods. We can flatten the curve , our immune is in tip too shape just being natural, the rest of them Vaccinated people have compromised immune system that need boosters to work, let them worry about that. Mostly all the cases are vaccinated people so them frightened. Coming from good sources, mostly all of them are vaccinated.


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