Health officials in the Virgin Islands hope to test all residents of Jost van Dyke after an individual who was on that island tested positive for coronavirus in St Vincent and the Grenadines last week.

The island has been placed on complete lockdown for 7 days, until July 28, 2020.

“Over the next seven days, the Ministry of Health and BVI Health Services Authority will be conducting further contract tracing and community testing. We hope to test every individual who lives in Jost van Dyke,” Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert disclosed in a statement today, July 21, 2020.

He said the testing of all residents on JvD is possible thanks to the test kits, lab equipment and new testing machine supplied by the UK.

“We expect to receive more test kits shortly so we can expand community testing on other islands, too. We owe huge thanks to the HSA, HEOC and other teams across Government for all their work to keep us safe and I am grateful to the Minister of Health for his leadership on this,” Mr Jaspert said.

Gov’t will supply food throughout lockdown

Meanwhile, Governor Jaspert also stated that persons on JvD will be supplied with food and other essential supplies throughout the lockdown.

“We recognise this curfew has come without notice and individuals living in Jost van Dyke may not have had a chance to stock up on supplies.

“Please be assured that you will not be left without. The Government will be providing food and other essential supplies throughout the curfew.”

Mr Jaspert said funding has already been set aside by Cabinet to do so.

“If you live in Jost van Dyke and need extra support, please follow the local advice, including from your District Officer,” Governor Jaspert stated.