Prison threat for quarantine breakers

TORTOLA (CMC):

The government of the British Virgin Islands (BVI) says residents who fail to comply with the quarantine in the wake of COVID-19 could be fined thousands of dollars or be sent to prison for up to 12 months.

Speaking during an emergency session of Parliament on Friday to introduce the new COVID-19 Control and Suppression (Miscellaneous & Provisions) Act of 2020, Health Minister Carvin Malone said the court could fine perpetrators up to US$5,000, along with a custodial sentence upon conviction.

Malone said that while the term of imprisonment is for the court’s consideration, special facilities might have to be constructed to enable these persons to serve their time.

“We would rather the money. We will do everything to collect the $5,000,” the minister said.

Malone said that if someone is suspected of having COVID-19, placing them in a current facility, like Her Majesty’s Prison, would be a breeding ground for the virus, which would, effectively, defeat the purpose of quarantining.

The act also gives the minister of health the power to order persons entering the BVI from countries impacted by the virus to quarantine for two weeks.