He issued the warning while underscoring that the BVI cannot afford to “play around with COVID-19”.

“If at any time we as a government believe that you are not putting safety first and practising social distancing and personal hygiene, a 24-hour curfew will be reinstituted, and you can hold me to that,” Fahie stated.

Battle far from over

The Premier said that while the territory - which has only had three reported cases of the disease to date - has been progressing well in its defence against COVID-19, the battle is far from over and the BVI must continue to move in a wise way.

He added that one of his main priorities as the Premier is to prevent any coronavirus-related deaths locally.

“I am not going to wait to do what needs to be done to ensure that not one person in this territory dies as a result of COVID-19. Our elders have taught us that an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure,” he stated.

Life not back to normal

Meanwhile, Governor Augustus Jaspert told residents during a broadcast this week that the aforesaid soft curfew period that begins on Monday, April 20, does not mean that life will go ‘back to normal’.

He said a new curfew would only be in place at nighttime. Notwithstanding, residents will still be expected to remain at home when not out for essential services and supplies or undertaking exercise.

“We will also expect all people to strictly observe social distancing measures. We need to ensure that we keep ahead of this virus and that requires us all to take responsibility for safe distancing and hygiene,” Governor Jaspert said.