This change takes effect on Wednesday, January 5 and is in response to a wave of COVID-19 related illnesses that has afflicted the airport staff.

The daily operational hours at the airport will now be from 7:30 am to 7:30 pm until further notice, the BVIAA said in a media release on late Tuesday.

No services on sister island airports

According to the release, the airport will operate on a ‘Prior Permission Required’ basis through to Tuesday, January 11. During this time, the airport will close for two half-hour periods from 9 am to 9:30 am and 6 pm to 6:30 pm.

“Due to this closure, no services will be provided to the airports in Anegada and Virgin Gorda during this period,” the BVIAA stated.

It further said that the Acting Managing Director of the BVI Airports Authority (BVIAA) Keith Flax is assuring the traveling public that, “the BVI Airports Authority stands committed with the Government of the Virgin Islands as it exerts all efforts to manage and bring under control the number of staff afflicted by the virus”.

“Further, he apologises for any inconvenience caused and thanks to the traveling public for its continued cooperation in ensuring that Safety, which is our number-one priority is at all times maintained,” it added.

Over 600 active cases

According to the Ministry of Health, there are currently 601 active reported cases of COVID-19 in the territory. As a result, many government agencies and departments have been moving their services online for short periods to deal with the positive cases reported within their ranks.

On December 28, it was announced the Premier’s Office and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries, and Agriculture office were providing remote services for three days. The physical operation had resumed on January 4.

Meanwhile, the Department of Trade and Lands Unit announced they will be providing remote services until January 10.