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'Cavalier attitude' towards social distancing, wearing of masks in VI – Hon Fraser

- urges strict adherence to COVID-19 health guidelines
An October 2020 fight between several men at a bar social event in Virgin Gorda which left one wounded and hospitalised. In the image taken from a mobile video, none of the men can be seen adhering to social distancing guidelines and correct wearing of face masks. Photo: Team of Reporters
Senior Opposition Legislator, Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3) said despite the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the people of the Virgin Islands (VI), citizens continue to exhibit a cavalier attitude towards COVID-19 health guidelines. Photo: VINO/File
Senior Opposition Legislator, Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3) said despite the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the people of the Virgin Islands (VI), citizens continue to exhibit a cavalier attitude towards COVID-19 health guidelines. Photo: VINO/File
DUFF’S BOTTOM, Tortola, VI – Senior Opposition Legislator Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3) has said despite the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the people of the Virgin Islands (VI) citizens continue to exhibit a cavalier attitude towards the COVID-19 health guidelines.

“I don't think that it has hit home to our people, the seriousness of this disease. If you go to functions there is a cavalier attitude towards social distancing, no matter where you go… wearing a mask seems to be an issue,” Hon Fraser told legislators.

VI not getting the message - Hon Fraser 

The senior legislator made the comments during the Second Sitting of the Third Session of the Fourth House of Assembly (HoA) held at Save the Energy Seed Centre in Duff's Bottom on Tuesday, December 15, 2020.

“I am not convinced, Mr Speaker, that our people understand and have gotten the message, this is not to say that the message isn't out there. It is out there, but the people haven't gotten it,” he said.

As such, Hon Fraser said shaking of hands and hugging continue to be a common practice despite the warnings against such in support of social distancing.

Isolated incidents of bar fights and brawls have also been reported over the past months, all in violation of the COVID-19 health guidelines.

Virus resurging around the world - Hon Fraser 

According to Hon Fraser, until authorities and medical experts indicate that coronavirus is no longer a threat, human social interaction has to change.

“We are here in the Virgin Islands trying to re-open up our territory because there is no question about what type of economy we have. We have a tourism-based economy and you're not going to generate tourism from within the Virgin Islands, it comes from outside,” he said, warning of possible ramifications if the virus should get out of control in the territory.

He urged everyone to do their part in helping to battle COVID-19, especially by following the protocols instituted by Government.

“So, if we continue or cavalier behaviour which we've been doing practising among ourselves, we might just extend it among others, so we need to stop, we need to acknowledge the protocols for COVID-19, all of us, without exception," he said.

11 Responses to “'Cavalier attitude' towards social distancing, wearing of masks in VI – Hon Fraser”

  • dude (18/12/2020, 08:45) Like (11) Dislike (20) Reply
    well some were out here saying masks were killing people.
    like if before covid the doctors & nurses were all dropping down dead in the streets.
    • @dude (18/12/2020, 14:36) Like (1) Dislike (4) Reply
      Can you explain and name the DOCTORS AND NURSES THAT WERE DROPPING DEAD IN THE STREETS. I WOULD LOVE TO KNOW AS TO WHOM YOU ARE REFERRING TO.
      • @dude#2 (19/12/2020, 02:22) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        The individual is referring to earlier in China where nurse and Doc in Wuhan were being over worked due to COVID and the rapid spread. U can search YouTube’s.
  • John (18/12/2020, 09:03) Like (9) Dislike (7) Reply
    Like I said, Edomites who own local businesses in the tourism sector only care about money. They have no concern for the health and safety of the people of the BVI.
  • What!! (18/12/2020, 09:18) Like (17) Dislike (2) Reply
    The mask is not just to protect you but others you may be in contact with who are vulnerable
  • wow (18/12/2020, 09:26) Like (10) Dislike (23) Reply
    Fraser I honestly thought better of you. For decades and decades this time if year is the worst for flu season globally, but now all of a sudden we can't hear anything about the flu, just COVID. Is there any coincidence that COVID tapered off around April/May of this year, when flu seasons usually subsides? Now all of a sudden it's 'surging' in the heart of flu season? Give me a break with the fear mongering!
  • No people (18/12/2020, 10:27) Like (12) Dislike (6) Reply
    The mask is to protect a person from contracting the virus from another person. Most people in the BVI IS ASYMPTOMATIC AND IS THE CARRIERS. What is so hard to understand. I THINK THAT IF YOU ARE CAUGHT WITHOUT A MASK, A STIFF FINE SHOULD BE ISSUED. IF YOUR CHILDREN IS NOT WEARING A MASK, THE PARENT SHOULD BE FINED.
    • @NO PEOPLE (18/12/2020, 11:35) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
      THANK YOU. The ASYMPTOMATIC PEOPLE IS THE CARRIERS, SPREADERS. THE VIRUS IS IN THEM BUT IT DOES NOT AFFECT THEM, IT AFFECT WHOMEVER THEY COME IN CONTACT WITH THAT IS NOT WEARING A MASK. I AM ASYMPTOMATIC AND I WEAR THE MASK TO AVOID SPREADING THE VIRUS TO OTHERS. WHAT IS SO HARD TO UNDERSTAND ABOUT THAT PEOPLE? I AM TO THE POINT WHERE I WANT TO MACE PEOPLE THAT IS OUT HERE NOT WEARING A MASK. #WEARADAMNMASK.
    • @NO PEOPLE (18/12/2020, 16:32) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
      If this was the case then fines need to be issued at govt employees cause many of them don't wear no mask. The signs are just sick up on the doors, but they not wearing them in the offices. They want to tell you no mask no service, but they don't wear no mask.
      • @ NO PEOPLE (18/12/2020, 18:34) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
        This has been going on all when we had the outbreak and still many Government workers are not wearing but expect you to wear.


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