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Tourists told to practice 'Vigilance' as COVID cases surge

- Health Minister admonished cruise visitors to follow local health protocols
Tourists arriving in the Virgin Islands (VI) as part of cruise calls to the territory have been urged to follow all local health guidelines and practice ‘vigilance’. Photo: VINO/File
Health Minister Hon Carvin Malone (AL) has urged tourists to follow the health protocols, including wearing masks. Photo: VINO/File
Health Minister Hon Carvin Malone (AL) has urged tourists to follow the health protocols, including wearing masks. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Tourists arriving in the Virgin Islands (VI) on cruise ships have been urged to follow all local health guidelines and practice ‘vigilance’, as part of a message from Health Minister, Hon Carvin Malone (AL).

This comes as the territory has seen increasing COVID-19 infections attributed to the Delta and Omicron variants, with some 1,387 cases as of January 11, 2022.  Despite the numbers; however, cruise ships continue to dock in VI’s ports.

Be vigilant! - Tourists urged 

“Let's extend Welcome Greetings to our cruise passengers as two ships call on our beautiful BVI. Be wise! Wear your mask! Follow the health protocols! vigilance! be vigilant,” Health Minister Malone said in a short Facebook statement on January 11, 2022.

Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1), commenting on the sight of the arriving ships on January 11, 2022, also pushed the message of vigilance while encouraging the people of the territory to continue working hard.

“Watching the ship dock this morning reminded me of how the B.V.I. is a Blessed place. We just have to stay prayed up, continue to work hard, continue to remain laser-focused on the things that unite us, enjoy the journey and at this time, now more than ever, be vigilant!” he said.

Virtual stakeholder meeting today  

Meanwhile, in an effort to inform stakeholders of the current and emerging COVID-19 surge and its impact Territory-wide, the Ministry of Health and Social Development, along with the Health Emergency Operations Center, will be hosting a virtual stakeholder meeting today, January 13 from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

According to information, the meeting will also provide an opportunity for participants to be updated and informed of existing and proposed health protocols and economic measures being considered by Cabinet. Stakeholders will also be given the opportunity to have an input in the way the VI moves forward with the management of the pandemic.

18 Responses to “Tourists told to practice 'Vigilance' as COVID cases surge”

  • Vigilant (13/01/2022, 09:34) Like (10) Dislike (3) Reply
    Did anyone warn the people on the cruise ship?
    • THINK! (14/01/2022, 15:23) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Tourist walking around with no mask and not one official saying a thing. I watched them walking from the highway back to the ship and 2/3 did not have a mask in sight.
      • Not how it works (16/01/2022, 15:34) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Who are they going to spread it to on the sidewalk? Covid spreads INDOORS.
  • Native Senior Citizen of the British Virgin Islands (13/01/2022, 09:48) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    1. The BVI Cabinet Ministers should strickle adhear, and precisely practice the wise protocol in reference to the Covid-19 virus transmitted decease, and not lower it for money, and sports achievements by local sports persons.
    2. Tourist should adhear and practice the wise protocol in reference to the Covid-19 virus transmitted decease.

    Good governance in any, and every country is the common practice of wise leaders. Amen.
  • We in Serious Trouble. (13/01/2022, 10:00) Like (14) Dislike (4) Reply
    All of us need tp practice caution and vigilance. Not just the tourist...This is so scary. Imaging hundreds of people with the Flu and Flu Symptoms afraid to go to the Doctor because they are afraid of been told they have Covid.. . How do we struct that balance. How do we eliminate that fear? Seems like before the end of March we will be up to 3000. The most affected nation in the world percentage wise, base on our size and population....ain looking good.
  • Money Corrupting the world. (13/01/2022, 10:14) Like (18) Dislike (7) Reply
    Sad to say,. This virus ain't going no where soon..Vaccine trading stock drop 4% and that equate to billions of loss dollars. They are determined to regain their lost so they are aggressively pushing another vaccine campaign....This virus long life is about . Greed and evil from the most wealthy... Aided by WHO. Only Trump could have solve this problem. Trump was digging at the Root of this evil tree. Doing what no other earthly ruler has the courage to do...Australia try a thing they get no backing. Now Germany is calling for a pause on the vaccine until proof of its efficiency can be proven. They get no support... These few Trillionaires rule mother earth...Sad. that's the way it is...
  • too doggone harden (13/01/2022, 10:29) Like (18) Dislike (13) Reply
    If the VIP used to listen we wouldn't be in this mess today....DEM HAD HEAR CANCEL LOBSTER FEST, SHOWS, XMAS AND NEW YEAR PARTIES BUT DEM WONT LISTEN
  • So (13/01/2022, 10:57) Like (6) Dislike (8) Reply
    Do you really think the tourist is going to adhere to this? They are in the territory for a couple of hours or a few days and then they are gone leaving whatever behind. What should be imposed is all businesses should be closed for a day for a thorough cleaning and sanitizing.
    • Secret Bear (16/01/2022, 15:36) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      You mean, dock employee paychecks for a day of useless safety theatre because that’s not how Covid spreads?
  • do (13/01/2022, 11:06) Like (2) Dislike (5) Reply
    You really think so? Tourist is in the territory for a few hours or a few days then they leave whatever behind. Why not mandate all businesses to close down for a day for cleaning and sanitizing.
  • PT09 (13/01/2022, 12:44) Like (10) Dislike (4) Reply
    @We in Serious Trouble, I would say we are over the 3,000 mark now.
  • Big trouble (13/01/2022, 13:59) Like (3) Dislike (5) Reply
    We are in so much trouble at the moment.
  • hmm (13/01/2022, 15:25) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Cantwind again Malone is a fork not a spoon
  • bvi (13/01/2022, 18:13) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    They are not adhering to anything, the locals are more doing that.
  • helloboy (13/01/2022, 20:38) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    I thought the vaccine was the wonder drug. LOL
  • BREAKING NEWS (14/01/2022, 07:50) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    A new variant has been discovered it's called "Anothercon".
  • Greg (14/01/2022, 19:56) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Do you want to hear what a tourist said today when I handed him a mask to wear when he is at my establishment? He said “ oh I am fully vaccinated and got Covid once, so I can’t catch it again or spread it”. I’m still dumbfounded this came out of his mouth. But in my establishment, he wore the mask I gave him. Where in the world did he get that information from ????
    • He’s right (16/01/2022, 15:32) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      You do understand you cannot spread a disease you don’t have, correct?


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