Premier and Minister of Finance has announced that the 24-hour Curfew has been extended from Sunday, April 19 to Saturday, April 25.  

Premier Fahie said from 6:00 a.m. on Sunday, April 19 until April 25, a new curfew arrangement goes in place. For these seven days he added, the curfew will be in effect for 24 hours daily and residents are to remain at home.

 “This is important for containing the spread of the virus and to allow health officials the time they need to do thorough contact tracing. I want to point out that we must keep our minds open to any possibility and this applies to our Sister Islands.”

The Territory’s leader said Cabinet has decided that gas stations will be opened during the curfew to serve essential workers. Supermarkets, pharmacies, water delivery services will also be opened only for serving deliveries, and approved home delivery services will facilitate deliveries from the supermarkets and delivery of LPG gas.

The Premier said that the delivery provision will be prioritised for seniors and vulnerable groups. He added that all businesses other than those approved by the Cabinet must remain closed for the seven day curfew period.

Premier Fahie gave the assurance that families in need will have access to food and medication during the new curfew period.

He said, “The Government will be financing basic food packages, which are to be delivered to all persons, district by district and to those who are in need.”

The Premier said his Government will ensure that systems are put in place to supply food to those who are in need. “During this extended curfew period, no one under my watch as Premier and Minister of Finance in this Territory will go hungry,” he stressed.

The Government will update the residents of the Territory during a live announcement on April 19 on the logistics of the delivery of basic food packages and medication for all persons in need in each district.

The Government of the Virgin Islands remains committed to protecting and prioritising the health and safety of persons of this Territory.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

• Photo:1:1- Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie delivering statement at live broadcast on April 18