Medical clearance needed if you travelled recently, public officers told

All public officers who recently returned to the British Virgin Islands will have to seek medical clearance before they can be allowed to reintegrate into the work environment.

This is according to the Public Service Continuity of Operations policy, which was agreed by Cabinet on March 18.

The policy was issued to public officers via a circular from the Deputy Governor David Archer, Jr.

“Public officers who have travelled outside of the territory must obtain formal clearance to return to work from the public health authorities (Port Health Officers) before returning to the workplace,” he said.

“Additionally, if they have come into contact with persons in their household who have travelled outside the Territory, the public officer before returning to work must complete and submit the Return to Work form to the Human Resources Department authorising the officer to return to work before reporting,” the Deputy Governor added.

Remote working advised

Archer also advised all public servants with a known chronic illness to avoid physical contact with the work environment during the pandemic and to use alternative technological measures.

“Public officers with a medical history of chronic illness should be immediately allowed to work remotely and should immediately make themselves known to the Human Resources Department through their Department Head for formal permission,” he stated.

The Deputy Governor further said that all public service ceremonies will be halted for the time being. Face-to-face meetings will also be limited to no more than five persons. Meetings will use remote technology when needed, he said.

In the meantime, internationally tested and accepted social distancing guidelines and signage will be implemented for government departments.  

These include controlled entry to customers and clients, use of an appointment system, provision of documents electronically, and offering special care and attention to the elderly, children and pregnant women.