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'No need for extension of current 14-day lockdown' - Premier Fahie
The Premier made the announcement at a COVID-19 update today, April 15, 2020, alongside the Governor of the Virgin Islands H.E. Augustus J. U. Jaspert and Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Carvin Malone (AL).
Structured opening approach
In addition, Hon Fahie said, "Cabinet agreed on the plans for the first part of a six week gradual and safe re-opening that will be carefully managed. A new Curfew Order will be put in place from 6:01 am on Thursday, April 16, 2020, to 6:00 am on Thursday, April 30, 2020, for 14 days," he said.
The Premier said that on April 16 and 17, the Curfew will continue as of normal under the current order; however, from Saturday, April 18, 2020, approved businesses will be allowed to clear supplies from Port Purcell on Tortola and St Thomas Bay on Virgin Gorda.
He said critical business only, such as supermarkets and mini-marts, bakeries, pharmacies, restaurants delivery and take-outs, banks, remittance services, farming and fisheries, fuel stations and LPG cooking gas, hardware stores, inter islands ferries, buses and taxi's, laundry services, healthcare providers, insurance companies, small construction teams limited to 20 people, PPE and hand sanitiser manufacturers, office suppliers, telecommunications retail stores, garage and auto supplies stores and home delivery services will be allowed to operate.
The Premier reiterated that gatherings by faith-based organisations will be limited to 20 people only, meaning that religious organisations will be allowed to carry out gatherings; however, under strict guidelines.
The Premier also urged workers to report to work and leave their place of employment within the stipulated hours of the curfew.
Managed shopping days announced
Hon Fahie also announced a managed 5-day shopping period, starting on Sunday, April 19, 2020, and said limited exercise will also be allowed; however, beaches will remain closed to the public.
He said on Sunday, April 19, 2020, Seniors above age 70 and essential workers can access critical key business services; however, the general public will have access to key services from Monday, April 20, 2020, under strict guidelines based on districts.
On Monday, April 20, 2020, residents of District 4, 5 and 6 only, will be allowed to access business in the Road Town Area. Tuesday will be allotted for Districts 1, 2 and 3 and Wednesday for Districts 7 and 8 with District 9 having Thursday as their allotted shopping day to come to Tortola to shop.
Territory managing COVID-19 well - Hon Fahie
Anegada residents will be allowed to travel from April 20 to 23, 2020.
Jost van Dyke residents will fall into the District Two allotted timeslot.
Following the allotted shopping days by districts, residents will then be free to shop on any day within the permitted time of business.
He said the Territory is having a structured approach to reopening internally because Government is aware persons may want to rush out and make purchases.
"After the 4th day of the internal reopening we have every day of the week in which to go to Road Town or anywhere in the Territory and do business, so please, do not panic and rush out."
Premier Fahie reiterated, "We are internally re-opening, but with caution so that we do not retard the progress we have made thus far in containing COVID-19 in the British Virgin Islands, as a Territory, we have been doing extremely well."
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62 Responses to “'No need for extension of current 14-day lockdown' - Premier Fahie”
Every situation is different. They are guidelines that you can chose what best suits your situation. I hope WHO will help fund the recovery.
Now Hair salons and barber shops are added to the first phase of essential businesses. That was not there to begin with. I guess is who you know.
Seems like the threat of lawsuits or other influence may have forced the Government to reconsider as according to the gazetted amendment that is now law BVIslanders and Permanent residents are permitted to enter. SI2020 No. 37 S4:
(3) Notwithstanding section 21 of the Immigration and Passport Act, any
other law and subsection (2), a person who falls within the following categories,
shall be prohibited from entering the Virgin Islands, from the date this Order
comes into force until the 2nd day of June, 2020, unless the time period prescribed
herein is extended by the Governor by Order after consultation with the Minister,
for such further period as may be specified:
(a) persons enjoying relevant diplomatic or consular or or other
similar privileges by virtue of any Act or in accordance
with recognised international practice
(b) persons who are work permit holders or persons who are
exempted from the requirement of a work permit;
(c) persons employed on contract in the service of the
Government of the Territory; or
(d) husband, wife or child (dependents) of any person within
categories (a) to (c), whether travelling with or separately
from such person.
4. For the avoidance of doubt section 3 shall not apply to persons who are
deemed to belong to the Virgin Islands and to persons who are holders of
certificates of residence under section 18 of the Immigration and Passport Act.
This is not the only issue they backed off on but they just added barbers and hair salons under the critical businesses in the first phase of reopening. Not sure why they are considered critical. Glad to know that they have applied some common sense, moral and legal guidance with the prohibition of our people. Unfortunate regarding work permit holders and work permit exemption holders.
They are doing everything to keep the territory safe and I’m sure u will lose ur lawsuit because of the conditions it’s all over doing it not here alone non locals n locals not allowed during lockdowns
Do u read news ?
You come here threatening isn’t Andrews daughters also abroad ?
That shows the VIP stands no compromise and no 0 tolerance .
I hope ur family member/members stay put and may God be with them .
All they have to do follow protocols and they’ll be ok until .......
I am ok with the other initiatives but this one is mind boggling.
Ralph never shut out Vincentians? A matter of fact he was criticized strongly for him keeping the borders open even to visitors.
There is a God in Heaven and the BVI is so Blessed
I was actually being sarcastic. If you don't get it they do not care about people who are caught outside right now. You all are second priority due to the actions of a few ignoramuses they closed down the borders and you all must suffer. Never mind that all are different. Never mind the Quarantine Law.
What are people going to shop with when they have no money.
The Registered Agents need to work.