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‘No need to be afraid to show up’ if experiencing COVID-19 symptoms- Premier Fahie

- said not showing up could be fatal
Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has appealed to anyone experiencing COVID-19 symptoms to not think twice about seeking medical attention, which means calling the medical hotline provided rather than going to any medical institution. Photo: VINO/File
Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Carvin Malone (AL) has urged persons in the Territory to desist from the 'growing trend' of stigmatising and discriminating against persons infected with the virus or associated with someone infected. Photo: VINO/File
Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Carvin Malone (AL) has urged persons in the Territory to desist from the 'growing trend' of stigmatising and discriminating against persons infected with the virus or associated with someone infected. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has appealed to anyone experiencing COVID-19 symptoms to not think twice about seeking medical attention, which means calling the medical hotline provided rather than going to any medical institution.

The Premier emphasised that ignoring symptoms or deliberately refusing to report symptoms for whatever reasons could have dire consequences.

“There is no need to be afraid to show up. By showing up, you would be saving lives. But by trying to keep it a secret, the consequences could be fatal to you and others.

“So please, if you think you are showing symptoms of COVID-19, call the medical hotline at 852-7650. I repeat: do not go to any medical institution; call the medical hotline at 852-7650. They will make sure you get the care you need and instruct you on how to protect others,” Premier Fahie assured in a statement on August 28, 2020.

Stigma & discrimination

The Premier’s call come on the same day Health Minister, Honourable Carvin Malone (AL) urged persons in the Territory to desist from the “growing trend” of stigmatising and discriminating against persons infected with the virus or associated with someone infected.

"I kindly ask that you cease and desist from this unwelcome behaviour. It is wrong and it must stop. This will cause persons to fear coming forward and the end result is not favourable to you, your family or your friends," the Health Minister said during a live COVID-19 update on Friday morning, August 28, 2020.

The Virgin Islands has some 26 active cases of COVID-19.

26 Responses to “‘No need to be afraid to show up’ if experiencing COVID-19 symptoms- Premier Fahie”

  • Seriously? (30/08/2020, 11:32) Like (10) Dislike (2) Reply
    A self professed Christian nation, and people are stigmatizing those sick or infected with Covid 19?

    This is not what Jesus Christ would do.
  • sea cows bay (30/08/2020, 11:37) Like (10) Dislike (3) Reply
    I am going to be very Transparent with what I am going to blog. This is not personal against anyone who lives in my Community, it is about saving lives. If I see you or hear that you are experiencing any symptoms of the virus, I am going to have to turn you in. DO IT FOR THE SAFETY OF THE COMMUNITY THAT WE LIVE IN.
    • @Seacows Bay (30/08/2020, 12:37) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
      But how would know they don’t have a regular flu or even have sinus issues ?
  • No Respect (30/08/2020, 11:52) Like (39) Dislike (9) Reply
    I have no respect for Marlon Penn, he should be held responsible for the virus spreading in his District. He B***hed about easing the soft curfew and he B***hed about the BARS AND BROTHELS BEING OPEN UNTILL HE GOT HIS WAY. Marlon, for you I would say there is no HONOR IN POLITICS, PEOPLE LIKE YOU ONLY GO INTO POLITICS TO FULL FILLED YOUR OWN SELF PRESERVATION.
    • I agree (30/08/2020, 12:38) Like (8) Dislike (6) Reply
      Him and whoever that was behind dropping the soft curfew and the opening of the night life and bars is responsible.
    • @ no respect (30/08/2020, 13:13) Like (17) Dislike (3) Reply
      When it’s all said and done, the Govt not Pen opened these places and People not the Government entirely did not follow safety measures.
    • GG (30/08/2020, 21:49) Like (1) Dislike (7) Reply
      Marlon neither make the rules nor break them . The govt in power I’d responsible for enforcing the rules . That is why we have a police force . People does not respect law and order that is why it is spreading . Stop blaming Marlon you hater
  • Tax Payer (30/08/2020, 11:59) Like (7) Dislike (9) Reply
    Him lost control now, your safety in your hands , he is out of options, BVI records one of highest number cases in Caribbean
  • CALL DO NOT SHOW UP (30/08/2020, 12:30) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Phone the Hotline. Do not show up to possibly infect others.

    Read the newest Statement

    https://bvi.gov.vg/media-centre/joint-statement-covid-19-impact-frontline-agencies
  • track (30/08/2020, 13:01) Like (14) Dislike (2) Reply
    lock down the place for a least 2 weeks.
  • Foolish (30/08/2020, 14:04) Like (1) Dislike (7) Reply
    @ no respect. Mr Penn responsible for you? Foolish
  • mmmmm (30/08/2020, 14:07) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
    quarantine for 24 hours for a month
  • Yes (30/08/2020, 14:09) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
    they have to close 24 hours for a month
  • rewrsdffds (30/08/2020, 14:15) Like (2) Dislike (7) Reply
    Lock down for what.
  • this is a test 123 (30/08/2020, 14:36) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Test everyone. Then there will be no guess on how many have it. Then you will have numbers to actually evaluate the situation. Don't wait till it's too late. Lockdown and test. Make sure people have food. testing testing 123 can you hear?
  • Hannahs (30/08/2020, 16:15) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Even if the places were reopen the ownwrs of the business made noise to be opned up it is time to stop blaming the government each man should do the right thing even if you are open up shut up atleast by ten pm but even if you shut up earlier the disease is still out there I hate to hear the foolish talk the Government the Government The Government what more can they do it is not a Government controlled virus and to the Sea Cows Bay writer please keep safe let the Spaniards stay in their own clubs insteading of mixing with the locals there Premier keep up the good works you cannot cure the disease God is still watching over us people are praying for the country and some day it will be clean and hold Thank you ppremiier
  • mmmm (30/08/2020, 17:17) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    but the ones who go to the Spanish club are you islanders
  • mmmm (30/08/2020, 17:21) Like (2) Dislike (7) Reply
    why so much hatred with the Spanish, what is the envy they have for us
  • @Hannahs (30/08/2020, 17:37) Like (17) Dislike (0) Reply
    That is exactly what I plan to do. I am going to make sure my family and I are safe. No more rides in my car unless a mask is worn, anyone walking around in my village with out a mask I will make sure they are at least 10 feet away from me.
  • Worried (30/08/2020, 19:18) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    I called the hotline. 24 hours later they call back and put us on a run around of numbers to call. When we finally get through they tell us they will call us to give us an appointment. 48 hours later, (total now 72 hrs) they call to day to come in tomorrow 10:30 am. Another approximate 18 hours wait to finally be allowed to come in. This is crazy
  • mmmm (30/08/2020, 19:59) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    you can be 100 meters away and when it's your turn it's your turn
  • comm (31/08/2020, 01:26) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Anyone see the scooters with two occupants without masks all over the place anytime. Not adhearing to the curfew either.
    How close can that 6' be and they cannot be from the same household. They could be super spreaders too. Take note. We are in trouble.
  • Love (31/08/2020, 11:00) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    What about opening the money gram an Western Union for 2 days do that people can send home money to there love ones to buy food pay bills
  • Contagious (31/08/2020, 13:38) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    A lot of illegals here are NOT going to go to the hospital then get locked up. It’s more fun to spread the virus at the strip club.


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