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Persons with faulty GPS bracelets reportedly broke quarantine– Hon Malone

-Says gov’t looking to increase fine to $5000, implement other tracking measures
Hon Carvin Malone said authorities will 'find and fine' those who break quarantine. Photo: Internet Source
Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Carvin Malone (AL) said as a result of some tracking bracelets not being as efficient as they should be, there are reports of persons breaking quarantine, which he says will not be tolerated. Photo: GIS/Facebook
Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Carvin Malone (AL) said as a result of some tracking bracelets not being as efficient as they should be, there are reports of persons breaking quarantine, which he says will not be tolerated. Photo: GIS/Facebook
The territory began receiving international visitors via the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport on Beef Island on December 1, 2020. Photo: VINO/File
The territory began receiving international visitors via the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport on Beef Island on December 1, 2020. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Carvin Malone (AL) said as a result of some tracking bracelets not being as efficient as they should be, there are reports of persons breaking quarantine, which he says will not be tolerated.

Hon Malone made the announcement during a December 7, 2020, update on the reopening of the Virgin Islands' borders, alongside Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1), where he promised that more measures and higher fines will be implemented should the need arise.

Phones being used to remedy situation 

“So there are some phones that are being handed out with the particular fix… so that the persons could be monitored and I want to make some specific warnings that persons who have been under requirements to quarantine, they must adhere to this,” he said.

“We are getting reports of persons who have violated some of this before… we will find them and we will fine them because it is important that you adhere to all of the protocols,” Hon Malone said.

The Minister’s threat came following remarks from Premier Fahie that the territory has received an influx of tourists that exceeded projections and resources, noting that the government has expended too many resources on security, provisions and housing, among other measures, to have things go haywire.

“There are a number of persons, residents returning whose home do not really qualify for safe quarantine purposes [and] we've had to provide government facilities, this costs…we have 60 of them so far and... we are we seeking other measures so that we can have additional spaces available,” he said.

More tracking measures to come 

Hon Malone said; however, that the Government is looking to employ more measures to properly track and trace persons who are intent on violating quarantine.

“The nation can feel safe that we've taken measures after noting our experience for the first six days, we've taken measures to make sure that everyone will be properly quarantined,” he said.

Mr Malone further noted that authorities will be looking to move the fine for breaking quarantine from $1000 to $5000, to show that the government is serious about not having COVID-19 spiral out of control.

19 Responses to “Persons with faulty GPS bracelets reportedly broke quarantine– Hon Malone”

  • Not Smart.. (09/12/2020, 07:33) Like (47) Dislike (0) Reply
    What do you expect. U all are irresponsible and responsible for what happened,,,, U all been warned that this will happen,,,, How can you put your health at risk with this unproven,. Untested technology,,, U all just following the crowds blindly,,,, The Common sense thing should have been you phase the physical security out gradually while you phase the technology in gradually making sure it's working and is reliable,,,
    • @ Not Smart (09/12/2020, 11:15) Like (18) Dislike (0) Reply
      The visually impaired could have seen that coming broken bracelets or not.

      Plus anyone can say they were asleep or in the bathroom when the phone rings to check if they’re home.
  • tri-party opposition (09/12/2020, 08:22) Like (18) Dislike (1) Reply
    The VI got these cheap bracelets from some schit-hole country
    • Yup (09/12/2020, 13:32) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      FACTS
    • Rubber Duck (10/12/2020, 06:48) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Clueless and suspected biased buying and waste of taxpayer money. You also need a big black box hung round your neck as well as the bracelet. It still doesn’t work. The phone app doesn’t work and even if if it did it’s ineffective. The same shower are providing the immigration system even though they can’t make the bracelets or the entry portal work. It’s the invisible airplanes all over again.
  • So sad (09/12/2020, 09:06) Like (32) Dislike (0) Reply
    It is going to happen because people are dishonest and selfish. This is why the Government should not let people bully them. People will always want decisions made to please them and nobody else.
  • The TRUTH (09/12/2020, 10:20) Like (7) Dislike (31) Reply
    I saw some Caucasians in Riteway the other night wearing a bandana for a mask. I don't know how this was allowed.
    • BigBoxOfCornflakes (09/12/2020, 11:08) Like (6) Dislike (49) Reply
      It was allowed because they were W-H-I-T-E.
    • guy hill (09/12/2020, 11:11) Like (43) Dislike (1) Reply
      There are persons who reside her doing it also. Talk that too.
    • @ The TRUTH (09/12/2020, 11:48) Like (44) Dislike (2) Reply
      I have seen locals and they are not white wearing bandanas so what is your point racist
    • Wstching (09/12/2020, 14:21) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
      Well there are locals getting bj's in strip clubs with no masks . Bars .... no masks Locals and non locals walking the streets ... no masks . There is NO enforcemant so who are we kidding
    • Blackman (09/12/2020, 14:32) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
      For God's sake ...leave the people alone!!. Everybody wears bandana when they don't have or forget masks. It's a pity some people are so racist. Why don't we learn to live in harmony?
    • False Slogan (09/12/2020, 15:28) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
      Definitely not showing BVI Love
      • @False slogan (09/12/2020, 20:53) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
        BVI love does not mean people will be allowed to put themselves and others at risk. I love my children but I will not tolerate them jumping off a cliff and take others with them.
    • Peaches (09/12/2020, 18:09) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      Did it cover their nose and mouth? what is your problem??? some of you people make me sick! Take care of your immune system and shut up!
    • Really! (09/12/2020, 20:26) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      There are plenty of people wearing a face shield without a mask too. Where are the guidelines on what is acceptable and what masks are effective? Neither bandanas or face shields work.
  • Sonia (09/12/2020, 10:54) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    is there not records of each person entering the territory such documents should show where each person is staying in the territory once you visit the location and the person is missing then take what steps are necessary to apprehend and punish that persons
  • Ghost (09/12/2020, 12:03) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is crazy.. i know it’s expensive for the Gov’t to provide security officers around the clock and it’s even more sad and very scary that this equipment is not working as intended, but this is no excuse for persons who should be quarantining to be reckless putting others at risk.. they have no respect for human lives .. I agree with the increase fine being proposed.. life has no monetary value .. re: the bandana(head tie)- they can be used as a face covering once worn properly..are they the best protection, no but they can be worn.. like I always would say do leave it for another person to keep you safe; you institute your own measures to ensure your own safety and those around you which first and foremost include praying to God for safety and then the other other measures..
  • home boy (09/12/2020, 13:05) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    Where the security officers ? I personally feel security officers was much needed , not the government cost but tourist cost . You want travel pay for your own quarentine hotels and so forth. The government cant do everything is you all want travel pay the cost. Other countries you at your own expense, Security is needed hon premier , tourist cost not government to fund .


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