Minister for Health Carvin Malone today confirmed another imported positive case of COVID-19 in the territory.

A statement from the Ministry of Health said, “the newly imported case is a resident who entered the territory from the United States on December 8 and is currently in quarantine. Contact tracing has identified and isolated the primary contacts. Tracing is still on-going.”

Minister Malone is appealing for residents and non-residents to follow all established protocols for entry.

This includes:

1. registering for the travel certificate on bvigateway.bviaa.com

2. providing gold seal or approved private accommodations

3. a valid negative COVID-19 test five (5) days prior to arrival

4. and completing four (4) full days of quarantine yielding two (2) negative tests results to be able to traverse freely throughout the territory.

“Quarantine and testing requirements must be followed and anyone who violates this will be found and fined in accordance with all of our established laws and protocols. Thus I am appealing to every resident and visitor to be our brother’s and sister’s keeper and report any suspicion of breaching by calling 311. If you see something, say something. We are in this together,” said Minister Malone.

The total number of persons tested by the Dr D Orlando Smith laboratory of the BVI Health Services Authority is now 9,229 with 76 positive cases confirmed; 72 recoveries, three active and death.

Honourable Malone also reminds everyone that a healthy lifestyle is the best defense against the COVID-19 virus and is encouraging persons to enroll in the Complete Health Improvement Program (CHIP) or any healthy lifestyle programme offered in the territory.

The public is to comply with all health and safety measures that include hand-washing, wearing of face masks in public spaces, maintaining six feet from others outside of your households, disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, avoid touching your face and limiting large gatherings, especially during the upcoming holiday season.

Persons who are experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19 are encouraged to contact the Medical Hotline at 852-7650 for medical advice and testing. Common symptoms include fever, cough, headache, fatigue, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, muscle aches, or difficulty breathing.