Majority legislators support 14-day 24/7 lockdown
In statements released via social media late Sunday night, August 30, 2020, Premier Fahie said that during an informal emergency meeting of the House to discuss matters related to COVID-19, recommendations were made for an emergency meeting of Cabinet to look into a more stringent Curfew Order to assist in the containment of the virus.
14-day lockdown endorsed by most in HoA - Premier
"Other recommendations from the majority of Members included, but were not limited to, the immediate implementation of a new 24-hour Curfew of the Territory for a minimum of 14 consecutive days," Premier Fahie revealed.
In a joint statement by Governor Augustus J.U. Jaspert and Health Minister, Hon Carvin Malone (AL) on Sunday, it was revealed that between Friday, August 28, 2020, and Saturday, August 29, 2020, sixteen (16) persons tested positive for the virus, with a likelihood of further transmission of COVID-19 in the Territory.
The Premier tonight said, Members of the HoA also gravitated to assist the health team in their ongoing aggressive contact tracing efforts without having to be concerned about persons who may be suspected as positive being mobile through the Territory, thereby contributing to the spread of the virus.
"Members expressed their concerns for the RVIPF and provided possible recommendations on how to use local expertise to temporarily fill any gap while those officers affected are in quarantine or recuperating," he said regarding a small group of officers who also tested positive for the COVID-19 virus.
Be ready for a possible lockdown - Premier urges
As part of the update, Premier Fahie urged the public to be in a state of readiness should Cabinet endorse the recommendations coming out of the HoA Meeting, for the implementation of the full 14-day 24/7 lockdown.
"I can assure you that whatever decisions Cabinet makes will be in the best interest and safety of the people of the Virgin Islands," Hon Fahie noted.
Cabinet is scheduled to meet on Monday, August 31, 2020, at 4:00 pm to decide the way forward.
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