After the Special Meeting of the Cabinet of the Virgin Islands today, the Premier of the Virgin Islands, Honourable Andrew Fahie has officially announced the following:

a.       That effective Sunday, 22 March, 2020 at 11:59 p.m., for a period of fourteen (14) days, in the first instance, all airports and seaports in the Territory of the Virgin Islands be closed to inbound passengers (whether nationals or non-nationals) until Monday, 6 April, 2020 at 11:59 p.m., except as pre-authorised. (The restriction does not apply to freight, cargo or courier craft or vessels. International crew members on incoming vessels will be required to remain within the port facility and comply with all Public Health measures in effect);

b.       that the Minister responsible for Health issue an Order, in accordance with the Public Health Ordinance (Cap. 194), to prohibit all non-essential gatherings of 20 persons or more with effect from Monday, 23 March, 2020 until Friday, 17 April, 2020, in the first instance;

c.        that all businesses and services, and all recreational facilities be ordered to close by 8:00 p.m. and remain closed until 6:00 a.m. daily with effect from Sunday, 22 March, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. until Friday, 17 April, 2020, in accordance section 15 of the Public Health Ordinance (Cap. 194), in the first instance;

These measures are being taken to avert the introduction and active transmission of COVID-19 in the British Virgin Islands, thereby safeguarding the health and wellbeing of all residents and visitors. For more information on COVID-19, visit www.bvi.gov.vg/covid-19.