Premier to address long lines with local banking association
Residents of the BVI have complained bitterly about long, winding lines at banks and other institutions - particularly over the last two years - that have left patrons exposed to the sun and some even fainting; requiring medical attention as a result.
These concerns finally appear to have found fertile ground at the government level, with Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley disclosing recently that the complaints will be taken to the banking association for redress.
“Yes, recently some concerns came to me about some of the long lines and I made a note to have a discussion with the banking association to see what can be done to better accommodate persons,” the Premier said.
Dr Wheatley acknowledged that many of the long lines started with the advent of the COVID-19 virus and the resulting government-mandated restrictions to reduce its spread.
“Yes, we eased some restrictions, but of course, there’s still the need to remain vigilant because COVID hasn’t gone away,” Dr Wheatley stated.
The government relaxed COVID-19 restriction protocols months ago, leaving the discretion entirely up to business owners as to how they will determine access to their establishments and whether they will continue to enforce social distancing, mask-wearing and hand-hygiene protocols.
In addition to this, the government decided at the time that it would no longer be issuing quarantine, and isolation orders to persons who test positive for COVID-19.
The Premier noted, though, that the government continues to ask that persons strengthen their immune systems and that they use proper hand hygiene. He further urged that if persons are sick, then they should stay at home as opposed to potentially exposing others to the COVID-19 virus.
“I do think it’s important that we are also aware of the comfort of our customers… You have elderly persons, persons who are exposed to the heat. So, we have to make sure that we make our customers as comfortable as possible,” Premier Wheatley said.
“Yes, recently some concerns came to me about some of the long lines and I made a note to have a discussion with the banking association to see what can be done to better accommodate persons,” the Premier said.
Dr Wheatley acknowledged that many of the long lines started with the advent of the COVID-19 virus and the resulting government-mandated restrictions to reduce its spread.
“Yes, we eased some restrictions, but of course, there’s still the need to remain vigilant because COVID hasn’t gone away,” Dr Wheatley stated.
The government relaxed COVID-19 restriction protocols months ago, leaving the discretion entirely up to business owners as to how they will determine access to their establishments and whether they will continue to enforce social distancing, mask-wearing and hand-hygiene protocols.
In addition to this, the government decided at the time that it would no longer be issuing quarantine, and isolation orders to persons who test positive for COVID-19.
The Premier noted, though, that the government continues to ask that persons strengthen their immune systems and that they use proper hand hygiene. He further urged that if persons are sick, then they should stay at home as opposed to potentially exposing others to the COVID-19 virus.
“I do think it’s important that we are also aware of the comfort of our customers… You have elderly persons, persons who are exposed to the heat. So, we have to make sure that we make our customers as comfortable as possible,” Premier Wheatley said.
