The Health Minister was at the time speaking on the Tuesday, March 16, 2021, edition of VIP Radio on ZBVI 780 AM.

Herd Immunity

“It's all about herd immunity… we have to make sure that we have a certain number of persons within the population 70 to 80 percent is what we're shooting for.”

He said once a large percentage of the population is vaccinated; the chances of transmission and the possibilities of the local hospitals being overwhelmed by the effects of this virus will be reduced.

“Once we get to a level of vaccinations in the country, we would then be able to… anyone else coming in with the [vaccine] card, they will not have to quarantine,” Honourable Malone revealed.

In a further plea for Virgin Islanders and those residing in the territory to get vaccinated, Hon Malone said the local economy is depending on high vaccination numbers.

In a further plea for Virgin Islanders and those residing in the territory to get vaccinated, Hon Malone said the local economy is depending on high vaccination numbers.

‘Economy in you arms’ to get vaccinated – Hon Malone

“The opening, the economy of the country is in your hands and most specifically, it's in your arms. You get the vaccination and we are able to look in terms of making sure that the borders are open, that you have less to fear in terms of being quarantined.”

He said when the economy gets going again, persons not vaccinated would have to be quarantined for extended periods of time, “It will continue to keep you safe in all that you are doing, in conducting your business,” Hon Malone said.