The drive-through initiative held at Festival Grounds, Wickham’s Cay II, Tortola, from 09:00 am up until 05:00 pm this afternoon, saw healthcare workers administer both the first and second dose of the AstraZeneca jab, free of cost to persons in cars and some walk-in individuals.

Present at the event was Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) along with first lady Mrs Sheila E. Forbes-Fahie; Minister for Health and Social Health Development, Hon Carvin Malone (Al), along with Governor of the Territory, H.E. John J. Rankin (CMG).

We must achieve herd immunity - Hon Malone

Health Minister Hon Malone speaking to the media said the event is part of initiatives to do ‘whatever can be done’ to counter the adverse effects of the current COVID-19 outbreak in the territory and ‘get back on our feet.’

“We must be able to get to herd immunity… this is a global issue were are face with,” he said relating to countering local vaccine hesitancy, which Hon Malone indicated will come once everyone in the territory 'do their part to get vaccinated'.

Other persons on the scene for the drive-through vaccination included volunteers from the BVI Red Cross, the Rotary Club, the Lions Club, the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) along with other service professionals.

The vaccination drive will be continuing tomorrow, Sunday, July 18, 2021, at the same location for the second round of weekend vaccinations amidst a rising number of COVID-19 related deaths, which currently stands at 14 total in the territory as of July 17, 2021.