He has; however, appealed to persons who have not yet received COVID-19 vaccines to take the jab in order to protect themselves and their loved ones.

“Vaccines have proven to be very effective in reducing infection rates and severe disease, and they continue to be administered at designated healthcare facilities – thanks to donations from the United Kingdom government. I am urging those persons who haven't gotten vaccinated, to do so,” he said on June 13, 2022.

Hon Penn said persons must also take special care to safeguard seniors, the chronically ill and other vulnerable persons as the tertiary moves into more sustainable management of the COVID-19 pandemic.

On June 9, 2022, the Territory's Epidemiological Summary reported that 18, 053 persons in the territory are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus while 1,312 are partially vaccinated.

Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) says with the relaxation of local public health measures relating to COVID-19, the local economy will continue to rebound.

VI moving to sustaibanle management of COVID-19

Meanwhile, the Minister added that Cabinet also stood down the Health Emergency Operations Centre, while noting that the Acting Chief Medical Officer will maintain overall responsibility for COVID-19 monitoring, planning, and reporting.

“We owe a collective debt of gratitude to the hardworking members of the HEOC team, including our recently retired CMO, Dr. Irad Potter, and the many professionals working behind the scenes. Their expertise, dedication, and professionalism have served this Territory with distinction.”

Hon Penn said as the VI moves from emergency mode to a more sustainable management of COVID-19, people must remain vigilant and prepared.

“New variants can emerge and spread fast, and it may become necessary to reinstate certain measures that have been relaxed – the pandemic is not yet over.

With the phased relaxation of Public Health measures and legal restrictions, he said various sectors of our economy and society will continue to rebound as we transition further into the recovery phase of this pandemic.

Hon Penn added that by banding together, the VI has overcome extraordinary challenges, and by God’s grace we will face the future with hope.

Hon Marlon A. Penn said as the VI moves from emergency mode to a more sustainable management of COVID-19, people must remain vigilant and prepared.