She was immediately placed under quarantine and has not interacted with anyone in the community.

The minister explained that she tested positive after undergoing a routine COVID-19 test that the BVI requires persons to do before they leave quarantined areas.

“She didn’t leave quarantine so the system has worked perfectly in terms of what is intended,” Malone stated.

He said the positive case doesn’t change the December 1 reopening date for the territory.

“It does not change anything … We have all our protocols and different apparatuses in place now because we have to learn to live with the fact that we are not completely out of the woods yet. The fact is that we would be getting cases from time to time,” Minister Malone explained.

He continued: “It is important to impress we continue to do all that is necessary to make sure on opening we would not have to retract any of what we’ve done. And we are in a good place and we understand the challenges that business have. We understand the challenges that individuals, who would like to travel freely, have. But throughout the world it continues to be a challenge on this. But we are coming to grip with it. All the infrastructure required to deal with COVID-19 has been mainly put in place. And we’re coming out with a package that will give us a structured and responsible opening.”

Do the right thing

The positive case comes amid Premier Fahie’s announcement that curfews and other restrictions are necessary because many persons aren’t diligently practising safety measures to control and/or prevent any potential spread of the virus.

The Premier also stands by tight restrictions which have been in place for several months now, saying the BVI doesn’t have the capacity to manage a widespread outbreak of COVID-19.

While commenting on the newest confirmed COVID-19 case in an interview with BVI News, Minister Malone reiterated that persons should continue observing protocols such as hand hygiene, cough etiquette, physical distancing and wearing masks in public spaces.

Persons experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19 including fever, cough, headache, fatigue, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, muscle aches, or difficulty breathing are encouraged to contact the territory’s Medical Hotline at 284-852-7650 to schedule an appointment for testing.

BVI COVID-19 Stats:

Confirmed cases – 72

Active cases – 1

Recoveries – 70

Deaths – 1

Number of Persons Tested – 5461