According to information, Deputy Governor Mr David D. Archer Jr, has stated that there is an extension of the previous ‘Public Health Measures in the current context Of COVID-19’ policy, specifically related to wearing masks in certain Government offices with high public interaction.

According to the Deputy Governor, David D. Archer JR discussions were held with Senior Leaders of the Public Service regarding developing and instituting a mask policy for public officers and offices in the absence of a legal mandate.

Policy adjusted

This comes following the adjusting of local Public Health Measures by Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Marlon A. Penn (R8) on June 13, 2022.

According to Mr Archer Jr, discussions were held with senior leaders of the Public Service regarding developing and instituting a mask policy for public officers and offices in the absence of a legal mandate.

The Deputy Governor added: “For the next 3 – 6 months, considering the high interaction with the public, especially frontline support, receptionists and other officers who give direct and regular service to external clients, an extension of the mask policy will be implemented.”

This extension applies to all courts, the BVI Post; the Civil Registry and Passport Office; the Department of Information and Public Relations; the Department of Labour and Workforce Development, the Department of Motor Vehicles and the Department of Trade, Investment Promotions and Consumer Affairs.

Other departments under the mandate include the Deputy Governor’s Office Apostille Unit; the Environmental Health Division; Her Majesty’s Customs; the Immigration Department; the Inland Revenue Department; the Land Registry as well as Law Enforcement and Border Control Agencies.

Mandate also extends to social care services

More departments to adopt the policy include the Public Health and Healthcare Services, including but not limited to the Environmental Health Division, the Public Health Unit and Schools and Educational Centres with an announcement to be made by the Ministry of Education.

The mandate will also extend to Social Care Services, including senior homes and other residential facilities plus the Survey Department and the Treasury Department, along with the Water and Sewerage Department

The Deputy Governor added that the 3 to 6-month period is not limited to, nor does it solely affect the offices listed and added that officers outside of the named offices are also allowed to continue wearing masks if deemed necessary for their safety and peace of mind.