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Phased reopening: Masks must be worn in public

- Premier Fahie urges persons not to take any chances with COVID-19
Residents of the Virgin Islands are required to wear a mask when conducting business in the public. Photo: Internet Source
Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1), in a statement today, April 26, 2020 ahead of the start of the phased reopening of the Virgin Islands (VI) from a month of total lockdown to mitigate community spread of COVID-19, urged the public not to take any chances with COVID-19. Photo: Facebook/File
Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1), in a statement today, April 26, 2020 ahead of the start of the phased reopening of the Virgin Islands (VI) from a month of total lockdown to mitigate community spread of COVID-19, urged the public not to take any chances with COVID-19. Photo: Facebook/File
In early April, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new guidelines recommending that people wear homemade face coverings to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. Photo: The Peninsula Qatar
In early April, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new guidelines recommending that people wear homemade face coverings to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. Photo: The Peninsula Qatar
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- “As we all prepare to go out tomorrow and the days ahead, let us not take chances."

"Remember, you must wear a face mask that properly covers the nose and mouth area when you leave your home to conduct your business.”

This was a clear reminder by Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) in a statement today, April 26, 2020, ahead of the start of the phased reopening of the Virgin Islands (VI) from a month of total lockdown to mitigate community spread of COVID-19.

Beginning tomorrow, Monday, April 27, 2020, from 6:00 am, Premier Fahie said the Territory will begin the process of rebooting and reawakening the VI’s economy.

A curfew; however, will start at 1:00pm every day and end at 6:00am the following day for the next 14 days.

The New Regular

“We must be vigilant. We must take the precautions as we go out into the public. We must adopt the ‘New Regular,’” Premier Fahie said as he reminded the public that masks must be worn by persons conducting business.

Persons were also reminded that they do not need to have a mask on their face if they are alone in their private vehicle.

If there is more than one person in the vehicle; however, then masks must be worn by all occupants.

Masks must be worn when exiting the vehicle.

Cloth masks

In early April, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new guidelines recommending that people wear homemade face coverings to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.

If people cover their faces with a cloth mask or another barrier, it may blunt the amount of virus-laden particles they release, experts say.

There is limited evidence that these types of makeshift masks prevent the spread of disease, though some research shows that they do reduce the amount of particles a person wearing them spreads. Some experts say that they’re better than nothing.

Social distancing

The CDC said people should continue to stay six feet apart when in public as much as possible, even if they’re wearing masks.

Urging the public to practice social distancing by being 6 feet apart, Premier Fahie reminded that COVID-19 is invisible to the naked eye and that everyone is a potential carrier.

“We cannot see it. We cannot feel it by touch. We cannot hear it coming. We cannot smell it. We cannot taste it. The only way to know that we have been exposed is when the symptoms start showing up...So, we must not take any chances.”

70 Responses to “Phased reopening: Masks must be worn in public”

  • Oh Please (26/04/2020, 22:21) Like (34) Dislike (3) Reply
    This is a joke tomorrow everyone will be rushing out in a crowd and we will see a lot without mask on
    • Greg (27/04/2020, 18:10) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      Today in front of Bolo's parking lot, this imbecile on a scooter, rode from off the street in traffic, up in the curb where people were walking, to talk and give fist bumps to a friend. He had on no helmet, face mask or anything. A policeman walked up on him from the rear and confronted him. The officer was serious and the bike rider was grinning like he did nothing wrong. I wish I could have seen the outcome but traffic started moving. I hope he got fined for being on the sidewalk, no helmet, no mask at the least. Total disregard for our health and safety and I hope I get the outcome of this story later.
  • WOWW (26/04/2020, 22:22) Like (34) Dislike (6) Reply
    This virus is community spread y’all better be careful
  • wow (26/04/2020, 22:23) Like (62) Dislike (11) Reply
    I don’t want to sound negative but we have more cases here the govt and most of us don’t even know.
    • @SMH (26/04/2020, 23:23) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
      Thank you, you are 100% correct. If I have to go out, I am wearing a mask and gloves and keeping my distance from everyone. Some people is saying they don’t have a mask, you can make your own mask or tie a bandana or a scarf around your mouth and nose. They are not going to tell us everything but there is a lot more cases that is going to pop up. We are going to go on another lock down soon.
      • annoying (28/04/2020, 00:18) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Some people are, not some people is. There are, not there is...yes I am the grammar police. You people write so poorly. My god...
    • How Hurricane season looking (27/04/2020, 03:05) Like (11) Dislike (8) Reply
      This virus is a winter virus as it begins to get warmer the virus is begin to disappear.... Only we in the Caribbean over reacting in fear... Anguilla fully open up thats so nice... Time for us to Focus on the upcoming hurricane season which is more of a threat to us than this fear we are in....
    • question (27/04/2020, 11:25) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Are you referring to cases of rectal cranial inversion?
  • rewrsdffds (26/04/2020, 22:24) Like (23) Dislike (9) Reply
    & tomorrow stores and banks will still be accepting customers even without mask. We not taking this virus serious do we need another death? Does it need to be a local or a well known person for we to take it more serious? Hmmm
  • Binocs (26/04/2020, 22:25) Like (26) Dislike (9) Reply
    The BVI in for a rude awaken
  • Bane (26/04/2020, 22:26) Like (30) Dislike (6) Reply
    Many people are cashing in on these cloth masks....people are even making them with fancy designs and logos. It's cool to look fancy, but keep in mind proper filters are needed to make these masks effective...cause if they don't have filters, it's best you save your money and just make your own at home or wear a bandana.
  • please (26/04/2020, 22:27) Like (23) Dislike (2) Reply
    Some families might know the illness but I hope the government test all these people that suddenly passed away.
  • vex (26/04/2020, 22:29) Like (7) Dislike (23) Reply
    Happy that we’re going out but who knows them island people in the hospital I hear don’t answer the hotline maybe there’s more cases maybe all those deaths are Corona related
  • Local (26/04/2020, 22:31) Like (19) Dislike (23) Reply
    I was enjoying the lockdown relaxing and still getting pay by the Government and was patiently waiting to collect my rent from these tenants I was waiting to hear the excuse cause I’m not with it. Don’t pay the multiple purpose complex open and have bathrooms for you to live
  • Mask off (26/04/2020, 22:32) Like (60) Dislike (24) Reply
    Is it a law to wear a mask ? If it is state that law, if isn’t I ain’t wearing nada, I have my own personal beliefs on this whole nonesense
    • @Mask Off (26/04/2020, 23:19) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
      Facts all of us ain’t with this “new regular” I want to breathe fresh oxygen, plus this is my body
    • Well (26/04/2020, 23:19) Like (10) Dislike (2) Reply
      Many people are willing to ‘Die’ for their beliefs!
    • @Mask Off (26/04/2020, 23:37) Like (9) Dislike (2) Reply
      Some a them don’t trust their family or spouse but quick to trust and do anything the government say, smdh
    • Steve (27/04/2020, 01:23) Like (5) Dislike (8) Reply
      @ Mask off..Well I don't want you spreading your dumb beliefs on me or anyone else who are trying to stay alive. I hope you get arrested for endangering others who do not want your germs. This virus is in the air, not just from people. I see people in my neighborhood congregating in their own little groups thinking they are invincible, but guess what, they are not and will see too late what this virus feels like. STRUPPS!
      • @Steve (27/04/2020, 11:01) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
        Rather die like a man than live like a coward or a sheep
        • Steve (02/05/2020, 20:17) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          Then you will die alone because no one can come even to hold your hand at the hospital. Giving away your life trying to be stubborn is whack! Be patient, we will all get through this and be happy we listened. We only have one life to live, and I for one want to see my grand children grow up.
  • resident (26/04/2020, 22:32) Like (25) Dislike (5) Reply
    Good job to the government delivering food to persons in need but that box should’ve came with at least a mask. Just saying
  • Vigilant (26/04/2020, 22:33) Like (26) Dislike (0) Reply
    I recommend some of these adults to monitor their elderly parents we don’t want them catching this virus
  • hmm (26/04/2020, 22:36) Like (15) Dislike (10) Reply
    @ hate I was saying the same them don’t have money for food or rent but have money to send home. Thousands of dollars leaving the bvi tomorrow
    • Hmmm (26/04/2020, 23:20) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
      Bad mind is worse than obeah. It will kill you. Your mom had needed to beat it out of you from you were a child.
  • ndp (26/04/2020, 22:38) Like (15) Dislike (41) Reply
    We need the NDP back!!
    • Guest (27/04/2020, 01:15) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
      What NDP? So we can have idiots that were telling the people the virus is actually from 5G sitting on the medical board??? Please... Could you imagine where we would be case wise if ja)@&ses like that were still on the board??
    • We in trouble (27/04/2020, 02:53) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
      We are watching the whole world open up...We are here consume by fear....i was shocked to see how busy those restaurants and saloons are in America...The Beach OMG.. It was over crowded..i was happy to see people enjoying their lives...Freedom one lady screamed it feels nice...
      • Peaches (27/04/2020, 15:33) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        @we in trouble then you will hear the whole ah dem beachgoers full of that virus!
    • 007 (27/04/2020, 07:32) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
      Correction NDP need to get our $7.2 million back. Fixed it for you!
  • @ ndp (26/04/2020, 22:39) Like (14) Dislike (6) Reply
    Which Ndp? The old one or The one with sandy, Aarion, Diego and them other jokers??? Nah VIP good right there
  • Happy (26/04/2020, 22:40) Like (17) Dislike (7) Reply
    So glad the govt soon drop that 7% fee to them who like send them money back down island
    • rewrsdffds (27/04/2020, 08:31) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
      So where do you want them to send it? What about their families, kids and spouses they left in their countries. What about the bills, loans and mortgage they have to pay.. Bad mind people never like see people achieve. And its always black people. SMH
  • facts (26/04/2020, 22:42) Like (24) Dislike (4) Reply
    If a last name Smith, Stoutt, Skelton, Fahie, Maduro, Rhymer etc get this virus that’s when people will start take it seriously
  • tbh (26/04/2020, 22:43) Like (20) Dislike (4) Reply
    This virus will now be more of a community spread. This will be serious
  • vi (26/04/2020, 22:44) Like (28) Dislike (7) Reply
    The worst is yet to come
    • old (27/04/2020, 09:37) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      The Bvi is a small country. This. Virus could kill all of us very fast.
  • nope (26/04/2020, 22:47) Like (6) Dislike (10) Reply
    I ain’t wearing a damn mask if I get it a get it
    • @nope (27/04/2020, 13:38) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      It's not you getting it that's the problem. It's you spreading it to other people if you get it!
  • @ nope (26/04/2020, 22:48) Like (4) Dislike (13) Reply
    Yess lol I’m not wearing no mask neither and if I get it I will pass it around because I’m not taking all that embarrassment by myself I could take a good ten people down with me
  • vincy (26/04/2020, 22:50) Like (3) Dislike (11) Reply
    I want all the locals to catch it them always got something to say on island people
  • what if (26/04/2020, 22:58) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    What if the mask are tainted with the virus ? Just a thought
  • Sys (26/04/2020, 23:01) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    No penalties no one will study this
  • gkefkkdakxq (26/04/2020, 23:01) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    That goes for you to Claude face mask for you too
  • Here for the Comments (26/04/2020, 23:02) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    Lol when I’m bored first place I come is on vino sites these comments does have me rolling lol
  • island man (26/04/2020, 23:05) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    Tola and st Thomas people don’t like downisland people or island people they think they better than us. Shake my head. We all are equal
  • @ Island Man (26/04/2020, 23:07) Like (3) Dislike (9) Reply
    We not equal both Virgin Islands Bvi and USVI we better than all the other Caribbean islands we not dirty and ghetto and our economies is the best you don’t see Vi landers going to other Caribbean islands to live we not ghetto.
    • @Island Man (27/04/2020, 12:13) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      You are right. If they were better than other Caribbean people, they would have been spared from the hurricanes and coronavirus. We are the same, created equally. Same type of people in the other Caribbean islands, are the same type in the BVI. Not ghetto? How about greed, jealousy, adultery, pretence, ungodly, theft, murder, incest, rape, hatred, child abuse, spouse abuse. Got it? SAME. Try to love thy neighbour. Also, pray for basic common sense.
    • karma (28/04/2020, 13:54) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Be very careful with that assessment. Back in the early 1900's we used to go Dominican republic, Venezuela, Curacao, Puerto Rico and after the U.S.V.I to work; please remember that. There is no hard and fast rule that states that this cannot occur in the future; life changes quickly don't be naive. We Caribbean people need to stick together, we're being idiots fighting each other and not looking at what's happening in the background, Islands and land is being bought and we're selling out our lands all over the Caribbean. Keep fighting each other and not look at the bigger future, keep
      running to the U.S and pack up, others are moving down and moving to live to the same place you're running from. I
  • terrible (26/04/2020, 23:08) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    Black fighting against black In the Caribbean such sad is mostly like the VI vs other Caribbean islands. They feel they better than others
    • reality (28/04/2020, 13:59) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      This happens in other islands too, St.Maarten, St.Martin, Anguilla, Caymans, TCI, Monseratt, ABC Islands, FWI, Trinidad. Locals think they better because people from poorer islands come there,
  • Smith (26/04/2020, 23:10) Like (3) Dislike (6) Reply
    Govt need to only give stimulas packages to locals and I outsiders who been here more than 25 years only
  • Hutums Ghut (26/04/2020, 23:11) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    We need to get lockdown back period
  • watch (26/04/2020, 23:11) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    By having the banks only open a few hours a day you will see the largest shi- show this territory has ever seen. This will outdo the three day shopping disaster of a few weeks ago. There will be no such thing as social distancing tomorrow and it will take people weeks to get simple banking done. SMFH.Good luck everyone.
  • Stop worrying (26/04/2020, 23:12) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    Let them go out there and put themselves in risk I’m not leaving my home until June
    • @Stop worrying (27/04/2020, 09:48) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      I plan to do the same. I refuse to be around anyone at this time.
  • US (26/04/2020, 23:39) Like (10) Dislike (2) Reply
    We have to wear a mask and gloves in order to go into any business. They are not letting anyone in their place of business without the above mentioned. All supermarkets installed a piece of clear plexiglass in the front of each cashiers station so the cashier and customer don’t have that close face to face contact.
    • @US (27/04/2020, 15:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      The same gloves people touch public places with and go back into their vehicles and spread. Does everyone sanitize their entire vehicle after every trip? We need to stop and think about whether what we are doing even makes sense. Wearing a glove or mask doesn't mean anything if they're not the right grade and if you don't know how you handle them in the proper and safe manner. Some of the stuff I saw will make some of these people more sick than any virus.
  • government worker (27/04/2020, 02:44) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Are we going to work... havent heard anything about that...What i heard is a Rumor 8 ,- 12pm....i heard nothing official... Need to know... Im getting paid but im tired of been home..tired of been lock down...Beginning to get really bored..
  • o (27/04/2020, 08:03) Like (11) Dislike (2) Reply
    People Let Fallow instructions FOR THE OWN GOOD OF THE COMUNNITY
  • old (27/04/2020, 09:50) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    To me. If you don't love you self. You will die from this virus .do the right thing.
  • legal (27/04/2020, 10:52) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    What are the standards that constitute a "mask"? Where is this written as law in an Act or Order passed by government?
    • none (28/04/2020, 23:12) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      There’s none that says service has to be provided either. Choose not to wear and we’ll choose not to serve. You decide.
  • Toothpaste (27/04/2020, 17:14) Like (0) Dislike (5) Reply
    Some people afraid to wear mask because them mouth Stink sorry to say it but it’s true ..... everyone one buying toilet paper I don’t see anyone buying toothpaste but that’s none of my business
  • ... (27/04/2020, 19:52) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Soon people will be getting robbed in broad day light because everyone is wearing mask. watch and see


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