Premier assures the safety of BVI offices in coronavirus-hit China

Government has given assurance that all the necessary safety measures are in place to protect the BVI overseas offices and overseas employees in China from the Novel coronavirus outbreak.

Premier Andrew Fahie in a recent session in the House of Assembly, said that his Office and the Financial Services Commission have maintained regular contact with employees stationed at the BVI House Asia in Hong Kong to ensure their safety.

He said: “Since the outbreak of the Novel coronavirus, the government of the Virgin Islands has strictly adhered to the recommendations and policies of the Hong Kong authorities to ensure the safety of the staff and office premises at BVI House Asia.”

“This included, following the recommendation for working remotely from home, and the suspension of government services at our Hong Kong location, which expired on February 9,” Premier Fahie explained.

He further said that since February 10, the BVI House Asia continues to adhere to the governing recommendations, and enters the office only two days per week during non-peak travel times to conduct important functions.

The Premier also said that employees are provided with private vehicle services to avoid the usage of public transportation as an additional precautionary measure.

He noted that BVI’s overseas offices in the United States and the United Kingdom are currently not at high risk of contracting the coronavirus so these stringent safety measures will not be applicable to them.

The number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus worldwide has climbed to more than 75,000, while the total number of deaths now stands at 2,236.