UK Provides More COVID-19 Test Kits While U.S. Shipment Still In Limbo
While the Territory awaits a diplomatic resolution to the United States (U.S) decision to withhold a shipment of critical medial supplies for the BVI, the United Kingdom (UK) has announced the arrival of 960 additional COVID-19 test kits.
Governor Augustus Jaspert described the arrive of the test kits as positive news for the Territory which has recorded two successful recoveries from COVID-19 based on local testing. Updated information from health officials indicates that there is one COVID-19 patient in the Territory.
"My team at the Governor’s Office has been working closely with health teams here in BVI and the UK to source vital equipment for the Territory. These additional tests have been delivered directly to the BVI Health Services Authority. They are crucial to our strategy for fighting the virus as they will allow our medical teams to identify and isolate anyone infected," the Governor stated.
To date the UK has provided 1,440 test kits. While the UK continues to lend assistance, the U.S. has seized a $12,000 worth shipment of medical supplies destined for the BVI.
Minister of Health and Social Development, Hon. Carvin Malone disclosed that the shipment of personal protective equipment (PPE) was for local health workers fighting COVID-19. The matter has since been reported to the Governor.
The Donald Trump administration has blocked shipments of PPEs and other medial supplies from leaving the U.S, arguing that local needs will be given priority.
At least three other Caribbean nations — the Bahamas, Cayman Islands and Barbados —have had PPEs purchased from U.S. vendors blocked.
"My team at the Governor’s Office has been working closely with health teams here in BVI and the UK to source vital equipment for the Territory. These additional tests have been delivered directly to the BVI Health Services Authority. They are crucial to our strategy for fighting the virus as they will allow our medical teams to identify and isolate anyone infected," the Governor stated.
To date the UK has provided 1,440 test kits. While the UK continues to lend assistance, the U.S. has seized a $12,000 worth shipment of medical supplies destined for the BVI.
Minister of Health and Social Development, Hon. Carvin Malone disclosed that the shipment of personal protective equipment (PPE) was for local health workers fighting COVID-19. The matter has since been reported to the Governor.
The Donald Trump administration has blocked shipments of PPEs and other medial supplies from leaving the U.S, arguing that local needs will be given priority.
At least three other Caribbean nations — the Bahamas, Cayman Islands and Barbados —have had PPEs purchased from U.S. vendors blocked.