While the Virgin Islands people are known as a warm and welcoming people, Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert, on the issue of the global pandemic Novel Coronavirus, is reminding that there are other ways to greet other than a handshake and a hug. Photo: Nam News Network

While there are no confirmed cases of Coronavirus in the Territory, the Government of the Virgin Islands has taken the approach that the detection, containment, mitigation and management of Coronavirus remains a national priority. Photo: VINO/File

We need to change some of our behaviours. Take sensible precautions - even how we greet people can make a difference...From now on greet people from a distance. Avoid handshakes and hugs,” Governor Jaspert urged in a statement on March 16, 2020.

The Governor also encouraged persons to ignore and not disseminate the Facebook posts and WhatsApp messages that aim to cause worry.

“Instead follow official advice and continue to be good neighbours and friends. Just as during other types of emergencies, while it may be prudent to have some extra supplies on hand, excessive stockpiling feeds fear, and may even make it more difficult for the most vulnerable in our population to access necessities.

Coronavirus remains a national priority

Governor Jaspert also said while there are no confirmed cases of Coronavirus in the Territory, Government has taken the approach that the detection, containment, mitigation and management of Coronavirus remains a national priority.

He said Cabinet has been meeting regularly to strategise the details of the Territory’s response and review the continuity of business plans for the various government agencies and departments as the situation changes.

“Most recently, after discussion with the Premier I chaired a special meeting of Cabinet yesterday Sunday March 15, and again earlier today, Monday March 16.”

Daily Cabinet meetings

The Governor said following those meetings it has been agreed that Special Cabinet Meetings will be held daily, effective Tuesday, March 17, 2020, for the purposes of discussing matters relating to COVID-19 and that a Unified Incident Command team comprised of the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Social Development, Chief Medical Officer and the Director of Disaster Management be established.

Further, Cabinet will receive daily Incident Command Reports, inclusive of new developments regarding COVID-19 and policy recommendations for consideration by the Cabinet and that the NEOC would remain at Level I and regularly reviewed.

Economic and Fiscal Stability Task Force

Commenting on recent decisions by Government to ban cruise calls to the Territory for 30 days and limiting the ports of entry to 3, Governor Jaspert said he knows the Territory is accustomed to welcoming visitors to explore these beautiful islands and that these and other measures may present a challenge.

"The Premier is also sensitive to this, and has directed that an Economic and Fiscal Stability Task Force be formed to help limit the impact the Territory will see as a result of reduced visitors. For now, I would ask that we all acknowledge that it is a sacrifice well worth making since it will help protect the people who live here.

“We will also undertake daily reviews of the listing of countries of special interest and high risk, that is, those countries a traveler to the Territory has visited which could trigger restrictions enhanced screening procedures. We are also working through business continuity plans for the public service. Continue to follow advice on www.bvi.gov.vg,” Governor Jaspert also stated.