His announcement comes as the VI is witnessing a rising number of deaths and cases. To date, there are 14 deaths linked to COVID-19 and active positive cases that are at 1,596.

“As we continue to navigate what we call the unchartered waters, Cabinet, following a report from the HEOC unified command team, decided to renew the curfew order for a further 14 days from 7:00 pm to 5:00 am effective July 23, 2021, meaning that the current curfew will run up till July 23, 2021, and then be renewed for a further 14 days,” he said in an update on Friday, July 16, 2021.

Honourable Malone said to support the extended curfew, Cabinet decided that members of the public should stay at home and work remotely where possible, and persons should avoid loitering at all costs.

“It is expected that between the non-curfew hours of 5:01 am and 6:59 pm, members of the public should stay at home unless for purposes of work or conducting business, obtaining services or supplies including for the purpose of the COVID-19 testing or vaccination, or any approved outdoor exercise.”

The in-person visits restrictions at Her Majesty’s Prison will also last for the duration of the curfew order, he said.

Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Carvin Malone (AL) said Cabinet decided that members of the public should stay at home and work remotely where possible, and persons should avoid loitering at all costs during non-curfew hours.

Hotels, resorts can have in-house dining

“In my last report, I would have informed of the decision to close restaurants and food establishments for in-house sitting and dining settings. We recognise that several hotels and resorts would have been affected by this decision, further impacting our guests experience even during this COVID-19 period,” Hon Malone remarked.

He said it was on this premise that Cabinet decided for meals to be served in hotels and resort dining areas to overnight guests and visitors only, provided that all prescribed public health measures are to be strictly observed.

The restrictions for all other restaurants for take-outs will remain.