Minister for Health and Social Development Hon. Carvin Malone said this was one of the recent decisions from the Cabinet.

“In my last report, I would have informed of the decision to close restaurants and food establishments for in-house sitting and dining settings. We recognize that several hotels and resorts would have been affected by this decision, further impacting our guests’ experience even during this COVID period,” he said in his July 16 COVID-19 update.

He added, “It is on this premise that Cabinet decided that allowances be made for meals to be served in hotels and resorts dining areas to overnight guests and visitors only, provided that all prescribed public health measures are strictly observed.”

The Minister said that the current restrictions for all restaurants to take-out services only would remain until otherwise stated.

Curfew Extended

He also announced that Cabinet also decided to continue with the 7 pm to 5 am curfew.

“As we continue to navigate what we call the unchartered waters, Cabinet, following a report from the HEOC Unified Command team, decided to renew the curfew order for a further fourteen (14) days from 7:00 pm to 5:00 am effective July 23, 2021. Meaning that the current curfew will run up until July 23 and then be renewed for a further 14 days,” he stated.

To support the extended curfew, Hon. Malone said Cabinet decided that members of the public should stay at home and work remotely where possible, and persons should avoid loitering at all cost.

“It is expected that between the non-curfew hours of 5:01 am, and 6:59 pm, members of the public should stay at home unless for purposes of work or conducting business, obtaining services or supplies, including for the purpose of COVID-19 testing or vaccination, or any approved outdoor exercises.”

He added, “In addition, Cabinet has extended the restrictions placed for in-person visits to Her Majesty’s Prison for a further period of 14 days from 20th July, with the exception of emergency situations determined by the facility to necessitate such a visit.”

Minister Malone described the situation in the territory as a ‘troubling one’, but he urged residents to continue to follow the measures, “as that is the only way we can stop this upsurge together. Remember, we are in this together, and we must all do our part.”

The BVI now has over 1,500 active, positive cases and 17 confirmed deaths associated with COVID-19.