As the British Virgin Islands work on combatting COVID-19, more than 40 public servants have been re-assigned as Social Distancing officers and Acting Environmental Health officers for the next year.

Deputy Governor David Archer, Jr issued the letters of appointment to the officers on Wednesday.

The officers will be assigned to the four main islands of the territory — Tortola, Jost Van Dyke, Anegada, and Virgin Gorda.

Strict enforcement

While announcing Thursday night that the territory only recorded one new positive COVID-19 case and 20 additional recoveries from the virus, Health Minister Carvin Malone endorsed the reassignments.

“The Environmental Health Division and its newly-revamped Social Distancing Task Force will be fully deployed over the coming days to actively monitor compliance and strictly enforce the suppression measures for businesses, other establishments, and all persons in public places,” the minister said.

“Once again, we strongly urge all members of the public to comply with all established health and safety protocols and dial 311 to report any suspicious activity. We must remember to take personal responsibility and hold each other accountable for adherence to the Public Health measures that have been put in place to suppress and control the COVID-19 virus,” Malone added.

He also reminded residents to contact the Medical Hotline at 284-852-7650 if they begin to experience any symptoms related to COVID-19.

Common symptoms include fever, cough, headache, fatigue, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, muscle aches, or difficulty breathing.