"As we saw in 2017, this Territory is highly capable of responding to crises when we work together. But this crisis is different and we must respond accordingly. It is global and it will be sustained. The world will change in a way that it wouldn’t had it not occurred," Gov Jaspert said in statements released yesterday afternoon, March 25, 2020.

Governor Jaspert cautioned; however, that the virus is capable of impacting everyone, "old or young; citizen, resident or visitor; whichever island you live on; whatever your ethnicity; however you make your living; whether you are rich or poor, this impacts us all equally."

No stigma is getting COVID-19

Further, the governor warned that now is not the time for neither selfishness nor panicking or fear, "this a time to remain calm and to come together, not physically though, but in our resolve as a community. We have a tradition of helping each other. The majority of us may only get mild symptoms if we contract COVID-19 but some may be more seriously impacted."

Governor Jaspert noted that, as Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has said, there is no stigma at being confirmed with a case of COVID-19 but one must relay any concerns with the Medical Hotline, "that number is 852 7650. It's ok to seek support and to be tested and we are ramping up our testing capability."

He encouraged all in the Virgin Islands to abide by the social distancing rules, "as the Premier said, washing your hands for 20 seconds, limiting physical contact with people and the other areas of advice."

Difficult times ahead - Gov Jaspert

These are difficult times, the Governor warned and said it will likely remain difficult for some time to come, "One way this crisis is different is that we have no idea how long it will last."

"We can’t see this disease but we know that you can help stop being a chain to spread it. Your actions can help protect us all and in particular our most vulnerable and elderly in the community," the Governor said.

An 8:00 pm to 6:00am curfew remains in place tonight, Thursday, March 26, 2020, with a complete 24/7 curfew to start from tomorrow 8:00 pm, Friday, March 27, 2020, until 6:00am April 2, 2020.