Lockdown a precaution! No known outbreak on JVD | Heightened security and food to be provided
Governor Augustus Jaspert
Governor Augustus Jaspert said implementing the seven-day 24-hour lockdown on Jost Van Dyke is a precautionary measure and not because there is an outbreak of COVID-19 on the sister island.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, July 21, the governor said the measure to isolate just a section of the territory has been a strategy used in other jurisdictions.
“We have seen regional isolations be effective in other parts of the world and believe this cautious approach is the best thing for BVI as public safety is our top priority,” Governor Jaspert said.
“We do not believe there is a widespread outbreak on Jost Van Dyke or within the territory. What we know is that one resident from the island tested positive after leaving BVI,” he added.
The governor further said the Health Services Authority have already conducted contact-tracing and have isolated at-risk individuals, but it is only right that the territory does everything possible to minimise the risk of further transmission.
Increase patrols
Jost Van Dyke residents, in the meantime, can expect to see a heightened security presence around the sister island.
“The government will be increasing security in the waters surrounding Jost Van Dyke. The Joint Taskforce of the Royal Virgin Island Police Force, Customs, and Immigration will be on patrol to enforce the new measures and ensure our safety,” Jaspert said.
He said a team of ‘extra police officers’ will also be deployed to the island during this period. He further advised residents to comply with the rules and not try to illegally enter or leave Jost Van Dyke.
Food will be provided
As it relates to food supplies, residents of that island need not worry, Governor Jaspert said.
“We recognise this curfew has come without notice and individuals living in Jost Van Dyke may not have had a chance to stock up on supplies. Please be assured that you will not be left without. The government will be providing food and other essential supplies throughout the curfew,” he stated.
He said funds have already been earmarked by Cabinet for that purpose.
“If you live in Jost Van Dyke and need extra support, please follow the local advice, including from your District Officer,” he stated.
He then urged residents to continue wearing face masks, washing hands regularly, and keeping at least six feet apart from others outside one’s household.
What to do if you develop COVID symptoms
Persons who develop cornavirus-like symptoms are advised to isolate immediately and call the territory’s medical hotline at 284-852-7650.
“It is important we all take sensible precautions and follow these rules. This is a stark reminder that COVID-19 remains a threat. We have made fantastic progress in the past few weeks, and it would be all too easy to become complacent. We want this progress to continue so we can re-open and re-boot even more. We must all come together to play our part in beating COVID-19 by following the health advice and the measures in place,” the governor said.
As of today, there is a 24-hour curfew on that island for one week. During that time, no boats, private or commercial will be allowed to travel to or from the island unless authorised.
Copyright 2024 BVI News, Media Expressions Limited. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.
The premier should be quarantined because he was over there
He say he wasnt in close contact buddy.
If it is a matter of who was in close contact, that means that the whole island should not be shut down. Basically, the actions suggest that everyone on JVD, except the premier, was in close contact with the alleged individual, and we simply cannot say that this is true.
You all need to be locked down, locked up and shipped out!
That’s not fair because when tola had the outbreak we on anegada were locked-down innocently
This same blue eye boy the Governor and Mitch and others was also JVD within the last few days. So why is Fahie being the only one targeted.
This fake man needs to sit down and stop pretending as if he is some kind of hero.
How come this governor only reports certain decisions of Cabinet and not others? Why is he speaking on these issues for at all? People wake up.
this governor still here? chuups
Disproportionate for one case which has left the territory. But the tyranny continues.
Social distances, face mask , that went all down the drain last weekend .
We did see about 10 boats coming into Hodges Creek Marina full of people coming from a Party on Prickly Pear or JVD.
I did notice this because of unusual travel on the water and loud music .
How is this possible and allowed, especially now JVD is going into Lockdown again .
Are we all really looking forwards to going back into Lockdown?
The more things change the more they remain the same. Bunch of local idiots.
Please Gov do better in protecting OUR borders.
Boats come in straight from st. Thomas or puerto rico to white bay, I’ve seen it with my own eyes.
So if you want to know how COVID got to JVD this may *probably* be the reason why.
and all the test so far them say is negative. Ayo is idiots or wa
This is just a test. Seeing how a dictatorial / communist Banana Republic system will be accepted.