The BVI now has more than 500 active cases so Cabinet decided that hairdressers, barbers, gyms, bars, clubs and entertainment establishments be closed for at least 14 days starting Tuesday, July 6.

Asked on live radio last evening whether government would consider compensating those affected businesses, Dr Natalio Wheatley said it was not an issue ministers could commit to on the radio since Premier Fahie was absent from the broadcast.

However, Dr Wheatley said offering compensation “is certainly something that we can bring to his (the Finance Minister) attention because, of course, there are some other persons who have called and have questions like that.”

Besides gyms, clubs, and cosmetic shops, restrictions have also been placed on restaurants and ferries.

In-house dining at restaurants is now limited to a maximum occupancy of 25 persons, inclusive of staff and patrons. Ferries, in the meantime, are required to restrict numbers to a limit of up to 65 persons at a time, subject to adequate social distancing protocols being maintained in accordance with guidance from the Chief Environmental Health Officer.