Longer Beach Hours, But Curfew Remains In Force

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(PLTM) - The Cabinet of the Virgin Islands has extended the current curfew; however, beach lovers can now access the beach for five more hours daily effective July 1, 2020.

Premier and Minister for Finance, Hon. Andrew Fahie said the decision was made on Wednesday, July 1.

He informed that the Cabinet met and advised that the National Security Council instruct the Attorney General to draft a new Curfew Order No. 23 of 2020.

The Curfew Order is to “maintain the curfew hours from midnight to 5:00 a.m. for a period of 14 days; increase the hours of access to the Territory’s beaches from 5:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m., allow private vessels to continue to use Territorial waters during full daylight hours from 5:01 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; and allow ferries to operate in Territorial waters between 5:00 a.m. and midnight.”

Don’t Let Your Guard Down

The Premier said despite the announcement, he is urging residents not to let their guard down.

“It is important for the public to understand that although we are making step-by-step changes, there is still no known cure or vaccine for COVID-19. So we must continue to move forward in a controlled way. Many countries are experiencing a spike or second wave of Coronavirus, and with God’s help, I pray that this will never be our reality. However, it is up to each of us to make sure that this does not become our reality. We cannot afford to let our guards down,” he remarked.

He added, “We all must continue to social distance, standing six feet apart from each other, respecting that the persons next to you have a right to live a healthy life. We all must continue to wash our hands for 20 seconds so that we are not spreading what we cannot see. We must continue to wear our masks, specifically those that cover from our nose to our chin. Each day that we, as businesses and customers, ignore these important steps as COVID-19 continues, we are putting our lives and establishments at risk. Let us all continue to encourage each other to not get weary in well-doing.”

Guidelines For Churches

The Premier also said the Ccabinet endorsed COVID-19 guidelines for Churches and other Faith-based Organisations, and it will be reviewed every week.

He noted that there appeared to have been misconceptions after a stakeholder consultation meeting as the Ministry of Health and religious leaders were working together to develop the guidelines for Cabinet’s consideration.

According to the Premier there appeared to have been some discourse in these meetings regarding the length of time that these religious entities would meet for services.

“I wish to place on record that today was the first time Cabinet was able to see and review the guidance document that will support the safe conduct of religious proceedings and services in this ‘New Regular’ of living with COVID-19. I wish to assure the public that the Government of the Virgin Islands will never try to put constraints on the work of the Lord, but will ensure that all is being done by all establishments in the Territory to keep people safe and healthy. The Ministry of Health will make the guidelines available to the churches and other faith-based organisations in short order,” the Premier pointed out.

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