This is according to acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr Ronald E. Georges in a Saturday, July 3, 2021, weekend update where he also indicated that local health authorities have proposed several guidelines to mitigate the spread of the virus.

Limit unnecessary movements

“Persons should voluntarily limit unnecessary movement and as far as possible stay at home. If you must go out, please strictly adhere to all public health measures in force regardless of your vaccination status,” the warning noted.

Individuals in the Virgin Islands are expected to adhere to universal mask-wearing, practice regular hand hygiene and adhere to social distancing guidelines of at least six feet from persons not from their household.

“Avoid all mass gathering events in particular indoor events. Where gatherings are happening there must be strict adherence to all public health measures,” he said.

The medical officer warned that if persons are not comfortable with what they see at gatherings, they should opt to leave and report any breaches to the organisers and authorities.

Dr Ronald E. Georges warned that if persons are not comfortable with what they see at gatherings, they should opt to leave and report any breaches to the organisers and authorities.

Businesses asked to Limit patrons @ premises

Further, guidelines directed to offices and businesses are that managers should ensure very strict adherence to measures already in place and should make considerations for further limiting of the number of patrons entering premises.

Dr Georges indicated that as testing rates increase, authorities are forecasting more increases in numbers of cases before the numbers level off.

“Members of the public are therefore advised to remain vigilant and heed the advice being given,” he said.