Stop it! Residents told to cease ‘hostility’ towards COVID patients and rumoured associates
Health Minister Carvin Malone
Health Minister Carvin Malone has called for an immediate stop to what he described as ‘hostile behaviour’ towards persons in the territory who have tested positive for COVID-19.
He said there is a “growing trend” of residents being dismissive against persons rumoured to be associated with positive cases.
Addressing the issue via a public statement on Friday, the minister said the practice could have devastating effects for residents.
“This type of behaviour will cause persons to fear coming forward and the end result is not favourable to you, your family, or your friends,” the minister argued.
In recent times, the British Virgin Islands has seen a drastic increase in COVID-19 cases. According to the most recent statement from the Ministry of Health, the total number of positive cases is now more than 40.
Come forward for testing
In the meantime, Malone is urging persons to come forward for testing if they’ve visited select local bars and nightclubs between August 15 to August 22.
These establishments are Ramon’s in Huntums Ghut, The Vault and The Edge in Long Bush, The Avenue in Mill Mall and all bars and nightclubs in Fat Hogs Bay and Paraquita Bay.
“Patrons who visited these establishments … are urged to contact the medical hotline at 852-7650 to schedule an appointment,” the Malone stated.
He said it is to assist the contact tracing team and help ensure the well-being of all citizens.
Testing is also available for residents of Virgin Gorda who are experiencing symptoms or who had any recent exposure to the virus.
“The testing services will be provided at St Mary’s Anglican Church Hall [on] Monday, August 31, from 10 am to 2 pm. No appointment is necessary, and testing is free of cost,” the Malone’s press statement read.
Some of the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 include coughing, headache, fatigue, loss of taste or smell, muscle aches, and difficulty breathing.
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You’re the architects of it. Set of fear mongering officials that this Government is.
Once again a clear sign of the lack of education on island, and you want to force them on employers…
Carvin go and take a seat! If you wasn’t so less you would’ve been deputy
Your own unprofessional officers calling and telling confidential information to person that are not associated with a case. If they don’t how to communicate effectively let someone else do the job. Many of them don’t know what the hell they are doing. You’ll should have a plan and work from that.
The timeframes need to jell togther with the communication. The health officer calls and give you one instruction, go to the hospital, the security giving you another instruction,go by the testing tent the nurse telling you something different.
If you’ll don’t get it together you can meet Ms.Rona when you go to be tested
I just came in and we were treated like diseased people that you must run from. Because people are not educating themselves.
Locals get blame for everything. Who are the professional workers in the BVI? Last time I heard Locals were not educated and experience enough to be. So now how come the Locals getting blame. Any excuse to hate on the locals even if thay are not guilty. You people do not employ the locals and when others who you employ mess up you blame the locals for their mess. There is so much hate towards the locals it is unbelievable and yet you all are dieing to be locals.