While not opting for a 24-hour lockdown due to significant economic costs, Mr Jaspert said a new phase of the VI’s handling of the pandemic will commence, where adopting acceptable behaviours will be the new agenda.

The announcement comes as the Territory was advised to prepare for a 24/7 lockdown of the Territory, following a spike in COVID-19 cases; however, a new 1:00 pm to 5:00 am hard lockdown instead will go into effect from tomorrow, September 2, 2020, for the next 14-days.

"The Law is being changed to remove warning for first offenders. If you are found to be breaking the curfew or failing to wear a face mask or social distance, you could be issued a fine on the spot - $100 for individuals and $1000 for businesses," Governor Jaspert said.

Closure of businesses not following COVID-19 guidelines

Businesses can also face being shut down if they fail to enforce social distancing measures, both the Premier and Governor announced in their COVID-19 update today.

Other measures include the prohibition of group gatherings and limited hours of business is for essential trips only.

Beaches will close at 12:00 pm, opening for exercise only and to ensure persons return home by 1:00 pm. Schools will remain closed pending reviews every two weeks; however, teachers will have access to classrooms to prepare learning materials, the Governor said.

Finally, Governor Jaspert said the RVIPF will embark on enhancing police enforcement and an enhanced social monitoring taskforce to visit public places and business establishment.