Virgin Islands Property & Yacht | May 2020 | The BVI forges ahead through COVID-19 pandemic

VIRGIN ISLANDS

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BUSINESS KEY INDUSTRIES COPE WITH THE PANDEMIC

SELF CARE

d a e h a g n i g r o F

FOR SOCIAL DISTANCING

STAYING HOME TIPS FOR AT-HOME FUN

How the BVI has responded to the COVID-19 pandemic

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How the territory’s government has reacted and responded to the COVID-19 pandemic and what the future holds for the islands

How are the BVI’s key industries coping with the challenges of COVID-19?

COVID-19 IN THE BVI

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CAUTIOUS OPTIMISM

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SELF CARE FOR SOCIAL DISTANCING Staying well - physically and mentally - is especially important right now

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SANITY SAVERS: KIDS EDITION!

Tips, tricks and simple hacks for keeping kids occupied during the lockdown

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EDITOR’S NOTE

“Our human compassion binds us the one to the other – not in pity or patronizingly, but as human beings who have learnt how to turn our common suffering into hope for the future.”

– Nelson Mandela

on the cover

I WRITE THIS letter in some of the strangest times our world has ever seen. Gripped by a global pandemic, nearly every part of our lives seems to have come to a standstill.

With Covid-19 affecting nearly every part of the globe, people are staying home, avoiding contact with loved ones and wondering what will happen next.

But what a joy to be in the BVI. Our waters are still sparkling blue, our sun is still warm and the slow pace of island living allows us to feel a little sheltered from it all even though we may not be able to move about as “normal”.

In a world that is rocked by constant news reports and a barrage of warnings, we have the opportunity to enjoy yet another stunning sunset.

In this issue, we take a look at several angles of how the pandemic will change the outlook of the islands in the months to come. Tourism will be greatly affected, but we know that our islands will always be a coveted destination.

Financial institutions are doing whatever they can to ensure “business as usual” continues in the BVI. And while we've been away from school, work and the beach for some time, our connections with each other and our communities have been strengthened, even if not in person.

From the BVI government response to how the territory’s major industries may be changed by this virus, our job is to continue to shine a light on the ways we are united as a community and that the hope for a better and brighter future is always on the horizon.

Please do your best to stay safe and healthy, check in with friends and neighbours, and take care of yourselves and each other.

Sara

The BVI adjusts to a “new normal” amid a global pandemic

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COVID-19 RESPONSE

COVID-19 IN THE BVI

How the territory’s government has reacted and responded to the COVID-19 pandemic and what the future holds for the islands BY: SA R A S H E R M A N

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MUCH OF THE world is beginning to ease restrictions on residents after closed borders, stay-at-home orders and other quarantine-type measures have brought global travel and many economies to a halt. The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has affected nearly every country on earth, and the BVI was not spared. Due to early preventative measures, however, the spread of the virus has been nominal.

The BVI government released their first statement on 24 January, announcing that they were monitoring the novel coronavirus and its spread throughout the world.

On 28 January, the Quarantine Authority was activated as a precautionary measure to limit the spread of the virus in the territory.

After the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on 30 January, the BVI released recommendations for safe handwashing and sanitization practices, encouraging residents to avoid contact with people who exhibited flu-like symptoms.

The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) was formally activated by Governor Jaspert at Level 1 on 3 March, expanding the ability of the health sector to coordinate their efforts with the Department of Disaster Management in preparation for dealing with COVID-19. The WHO characterized the spread and severity of COVID-19 to be a pandemic on 11 March.

TIMELINE 24 January - Initial monitoring of COVID-19 announcement made 30 January - WHO declares Public Health Emergency of International Concern, BVI releases handwashing and sanitization recommendations 3 March - National Emergency Operations Centre formally activated 11 March - WHO characterizes COVID-19 as a pandemic 13 March - Travel restrictions announced 18 March - Cruise ships dockings declined for 30 days, school closures announced, visits to hospitals, prisons and other at-risk establishments prohibited or restricted 22 March - More stringent restrictions placed on residents (airports and seaports closed to everyone except freight, non-essential gathering number reduced to 20 people, business curfew announced) 25 March - First two cases of Coronavirus confirmed in BVI 27 March - Mandatory 24-hour curfew in effect until 2 April 30 March - Third case of COVID-19 confirmed 1 April - COVID-19 Action Plan announced, including extending mandatory curfew through 16 April 15 April - Two patients reported recovered from COVID-19 18 April - First COVID-19-related death recorded in BVI, Mandatory curfew extended to 25 April 24 April - Sixth confirmed case of COVID-19 announced 25 April - Inspections of approved private businesses begin, residents encouraged to wear masks in public 27 April - Phased reopening of economy begins 5 May - Seventh confirmed case of COVID-19 announced

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COVID-19 RESPONSE

After the WHO’s pandemic announcement, the BVI took significant steps to mitigate risk to the territory. On 13 March, the government released at least five different statements outlining steps that would be taken to be prepared for and to combat transmission of COVID-19 in the BVI. First, the announcement of port and airport closures meant that foreign vessels were only allowed to enter via Road Town and West End, and Port Purcell was the only port accepting and processing cargo. The Auguste George Airport in Anegada and Taddy Bay Airport on Virgin Gorda were also closed at this time so that travellers coming to the BVI by air would only be processed through Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport at Beef Island. A 30-day halt in cruise ship activity also began on 14 March, and any travellers or crew members entering the BVI from a specific list of countries were advised to self-quarantine themselves for 14 days after arrival.

Mass gatherings, including the

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popular BVI Spring Regatta and the Virgin Gorda Easter Festival, were also cancelled in an attempt to decrease the chances of community spread of the virus.

“After extensive consideration, the British Virgin Islands made the prudent decision to put stringent measures in place to temporarily enhance the protocols for entry into the Territory until 13 April,” said Honourable Andrew A. Fahie, Premier, Minister of Finance & Minister responsible for Tourism in a press release. “It is imperative that we prioritize our limited resources to safeguard our residents and our guests. Tourism is our mainstay and it is important that we take measures to ensure our long-term sustainability.”

The BVI government was also in contact with Baroness Elizabeth Sugg, UK Minister for the Overseas Territories to ensure that the BVI received any necessary help, specifically in working to procure necessary protective equipment and other medical needs.

Other stringent measures for

protecting BVI citizens and residents were announced on 18 March, including: • Prohibiting visits to Her Majesty’s Prison, multiple homes for the elderly and children • Funerals, weddings and other gatherings being limited to 30 persons • Schools, preschools daycare centres and extra-curricular activities were cancelled • No entry into the BVI would be granted to people that were not nationals, Belongers, Work Permit Holders or persons ordinarily resident in the Territory, or their dependents.

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• While bars and restaurants were not closed yet at the time of the other restrictions put in place, they were advised to adhere to social distancing guidelines and increased sanitization measures.

• Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital reduced the number of entrances and limited visitation hours to protect patients and staff.

“We know that these guidelines will be difficult on patients, their families and visitors to the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital, however, please bear with us as we seek to put measures in place to reduce our vulnerability to COVID-19

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and its impact on our patients,” Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Ronald Georges stated in a press release.

While no confirmed cases of COVID-19 had yet been confirmed in the territory as of 19 March, more than 20 people were under quarantine amid growing concerns of possible exposure from cruise ship passengers only a week earlier.

At least 15 COVID-19 tests had come back negative at that point, but all lab results were and still are to be confirmed by the Caribbean Public Health Agency in Trinidad.

Just four days later on 22 March, the BVI Airports were closed to inbound traffic for 14 days to further decrease the chances of the virus entering the territory. People were still allowed to leave the territory during certain hours, and cargo and medical flights were still permitted as needed.

On Wednesday, 25 March, the first two cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in the territory. The two individuals had recently travelled to high-risk countries and were tested and placed under quarantine per

All cruise ship activity in the BVI was halted as of 18 March. The territory's tourism industry has taken a hit but is optimistic about rebounding soon.

WHO guidelines. The BVI government announced a 24-hour curfew to be in effect 27 March - 2 April.

The third case of COVID-19 was confirmed in the territory on 30 March. All three cases were confirmed in persons having travelled abroad, and at the time there was no indication of community spread in the BVI. “Together we are fighting an enemy that we cannot see,” stated Premier Fahie in a press release, emphasizing the importance of the curfew.

Six cases were confirmed in the BVI as of 24 April, while a seventh was announced 5 May. “Case number 7 is linked to a previously detected case was quarantined and had tested negative on the first protocol of testing. It is common that in the early stages of infection the virus that causes COVID-19 could go undetected,”

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COVID-19 RESPONSE

Deputy Premier and Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Carvin Malone explained in a news release. He added, “In this regard, the person was kept under quarantine for the full duration of the incubation period, and was re-tested in accordance with established protocols. This patient has exhibited only mild symptoms and will be kept in isolation.”

Even in the light of the most recent confirmed case, the territory is continuing to reopen businesses and beaches will be open from 6 am to 1 pm for “exercise and therapy”.

Community & Future The BVI remains tight-knit amidst unprecedented conditions and the community once again has come together to support one another.

From a 10,000-piece medical equipment donation by Bank of Asia to handwashing stations popping up throughout the islands, the BVI once again demonstrates that in times of crisis, the people of the BVI demonstrate that in times of crisis, everyone is helping their neighbours.

Government and local organisations also pulled together to make sure food was delivered to those in need, and assistance was offered so that farmers and fisherfolk could sell or deliver their wares in a safe way.

The tourism industry has taken a significant hit in light of the virus as well. However, the BVI continues

BCQS_VIPY_ThridPG-Horizontal_Feb-Issue_PRINT.pdf

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to be a popular destination for travellers from around the world, and as the global community continues to reopen, the tourism sector is optimistic about the future.

Premier Fahie stated in a news release, “Our tourism industry has faced many crises before, from natural disasters to epidemics, and we have always come out strong on the other side. After much anticipation, we are at the start of a big celebratory year as many of our beloved resort products are finally reopening following extensive rebuilding.

We also expect this summer to be busy in the BVI with the rerouting of cruises and airline service in and around the Caribbean.”

While BVI borders remain closed to inbound travellers at this time, Belongers and other residents may enter via Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport starting 2 June.

The BVI is advised that hurricane season is not far off and that all necessary precautions and preparation should begin as soon as possible. ■

LEFT Even though the popular BVI Spring

Regatta was cancelled, sailors are expected to return to the BVI once the all-clear is given.

RIGHT FROM TOP Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie gives a press conference wearing a face mask. BVI Health Minister Honourable Carvin Malone activated the Quarantine Authority on 28 January as a precautionary measure in response to COVID-19. His Excellency the Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert and other BVI officials activated the National Emergency Operations Centre on 3 March.

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TOURISM

CAUTIOUS OPTIMISM How are the BVI’s key industries coping with the challenges of COVID-19?

BY J E SS I C A SA N TOS

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The tourism industry is taking a huge hit during the global pandemic, but insiders are optimistic about the future.

(Credit: Villa My All, courtesy of BVI Villa Rental)

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TOURISM

OUR ISLANDS ARE accustomed to change and having to embrace unprecedented situations with little or no warning. It should come as no surprise that our two main industries financial services and tourism, have adapted promptly to the challenges presented by the global pandemic caused by COVID-19 but with starkly contrasting impacts on their respective businesses.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, the financial services companies had to move quickly to change their way of operating and keep their teams working effectively without the benefit of a central office.

This prior experience has resulted in the industry conducting a smooth

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transition into the world of working remotely during lockdown and limiting staff numbers in the office thereafter.

Jose Santos, Managing Partner of Forbes Hare BVI states: “Our Business Continuity Plan (BCP) offers all staff members the ability to work from home on a secure basis. Our BCP plan was implemented across the Group on a staged process as each country made plans to tackle the pandemic.

Our actions ensured limited disruption to our client service.

A large proportion of our global team already had laptops so our infrastructure was largely in place when lockdown occurred.”

ABOVE Many rental villas sit empty as

visitors are currently not allowed into BVI. (Credit: Canfield House, courtesy of BVI Villa Rental) RIGHT Villa bookings were nearly back to pre-Irma levels when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. (Credit: Turtle Bay House, courtesy BVI Villa Rental)

The health and wellbeing of staff members has been of paramount importance during the lockdown and subsequent curfew.

“We check in with each other at least every couple of days but usually intra day to make sure we are all doing well. If anyone needs any help, we try to make it happen the best way possible given the circumstances.

Everyone continues to be paid,”

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elaborates Walter Reich of Tovel on how he cares for his team. “We have noted that business partners with younger kids have had to allocate some of their usual working hours to helping their kids with online schooling. So we have had to ensure we keep that in mind when scheduling conference calls with clients or with each other.”

According to Charlotte Bailey, Managing Director of TMF in the BVI: “Some staff took printers home to continue working and to be able print documents on behalf of others. Our Office Messenger has an Essential Workers Pass and so is able to travel around the island to get necessary documents signed, make

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“[COVID-19] will impact our business development. All travel has had to be put on hold. Face to face relationships are a vital part of business development.”

– Charlotte Bailey, Managing Director of TMF in the BVI

collections from staff at their homes and deliver packages to the courier company offices.”

At the time of writing this article none of the financial services businesses we approached for comment had made any reduction in staff or redundancies. Neither have they seen a downturn in the volume of work being received in the

BVI or globally.

“We have seen a slowdown or a stalling of some types of work, particularly some property based transactions. However, we are still receiving some very promising new instructions and the stalled transactions are still happening, they are just moving more slowly,” said Jose Santos.

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TOURISM

Community outreach has also featured strongly within the industry.

Not only supporting their own staff and family members, many firms have been supporting the community by donating old laptops to students for home schooling and supporting local non-profit organisations.

Rachael McDonald, Managing Partner of Mourant BVI explains what her team has been doing within the community: “We have had a relationship with the Family Support Network for a number of years now, and during the pandemic have been providing additional financial support, ensuring that BVI people in need receive regular, protein-rich food during the lockdown. We have also provided funds to Regis and Claudine at Brandywine Restaurant to help them to continue in their incredible preparation and distribution of hot meals to needy BVI families. Our staff members have individually assisted many families with donations and food parcels.”

When asked how the crisis is shaping plans in the BVI for the next 12 months, Charlotte Bailey of TMF explained that no changes are expected, and

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that normal hours and staff back at the office is the continued plan. “[COVID-19] will impact our business development. All travel has had to be put on hold. Face to face relationships are a vital part of business development,” said Bailey.

These comments have been echoed by others that maintaining existing business and developing new business will be challenging during the coming months.

By contrast, the tourism industry has been hit hard. With many businesses still recovering from the effects of Hurricane Irma and many not even reopened, the timing could not have been worse. The Easter season was almost fully booked in many sectors and the outlook for forward bookings was the best since before Irma. The re-opening of Little Dix Bay in January sent out a strong message that the BVI’s tourism product was back and better than ever.

At the time the lockdown was announced, guests were able to leave the territory in an efficient and timely manner. No visitors will be allowed back into the territory until September 1st. Whilst the government-imposed lockdown has

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“The yachting sector spearheaded the return of BVI tourism post Hurricane Irma. I see no reason why, with the correct measures in place to welcome back guests, it cannot do so again.”

– Janet Oliver, Executive Director of the Charter Yacht Society of the BVI

Yacht charter crews have used the downtime to carry out maintenance work and keep their properties and boats in pristine condition, ready to go as soon as travel restrictions are lifted (Credit: Gypsey Princess, courtesy of Charter Yacht Society of BVI)

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TOURISM

The yachting industry is looking forward to creating memorable experiences for guests once again. (Credit: Bagheera, courtesy of Charter Yacht Society of BVI)

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been restrictive, it has been entirely necessary to protect the territory.

Villa maintenance teams and yacht charter crews have used the downtime to carry out maintenance work and keep their properties and boats in pristine condition, ready to go as soon as travel restrictions are lifted. Yacht charter crews have even used their curfew confinement to benefit those less fortunate. Many crews have fostered puppies from PAW and the Humane Society and two charter chefs ran an unbelievable 26.2 miles on board their respective 60 foot power cats and raised over $10,000 for the FSN and Family Resource Center in the USVI. Chris Smith, Managing Broker at BVI Villa Rental reports that villa reservations were back to 75% of preIrma revenue when COVID-19 struck.

“Our approach with existing bookings has been to allow guests to rebook within the next year. We therefore haven’t been charging a cancellation fee because we haven’t been cancelling bookings. The majority of our clients are very keen still to visit when they are able. The problem for us is not necessarily what happens in the BVI although the decline in tourism is and will continue to have a very negative

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TOURISM

When restrictions are lifted and travellers are able to move freely again, the BVI will be in an ideal position. Guest accommodation, whether it be on land or on sea, is available and ready. impact on our economy. It’s what happens in the US, Puerto Rico and USVI in terms of COVID. That accounts for the majority of our vacation villa rentals and buying audience. So we are following those markets very closely”.

Janet Oliver, the Executive Director of the Charter Yacht Society of the BVI has a positive viewpoint: “The yachting sector spearheaded the return of BVI tourism post hurricane Irma. I see no reason why, with

24 | V I P R O P E R T Y & YA C H T

the correct measures in place to welcome back guests, it cannot do so again. A yachting vacation requires minimal contact with others if one is intentional about it. With four month’s worth of bookings rescheduled to next season, our matchless geography unchanged and travellers keen to experience “normal” again, we should have a reasonably busy season.”

The outlook is optimistic albeit cautiously so. When restrictions are

ABOVE The yachting and

tourism industries look to rebound from the pandemic.

lifted and travellers are able to move freely again, the BVI will be in an ideal position. Guest accommodation, whether it be on land or on sea, is available and ready. The real challenge will be airlift and the ability to transit through the mainland US and other islands to reach the BVI. When the world emerges from social distancing, mass-market resorts and destinations will have less appeal and the private villas and charter boats will be ideally placed to offer the perfect vacation whilst maintaining social distancing. In a world adapting to life after the pandemic, the tranquil beaches and unpolluted waters of the BVI will be in more demand than ever. ■

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S TAY I N G W E L L

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FOR SOCIAL DISTANCING

Staying well - physically and mentally is especially important right now

BY SARA SHERMAN

26 | V I P R O P E R T Y & YA C H T

bvipropertyyacht.com

Self-care is an important survival skill needed during a global pandemic lockdown.

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S TAY I N G W E L L

MORE THAN EVER, island living can feel isolating. Aside from the actual distance between our physical location and much of the mainland world, we are now separated from much of our community to keep a deadly virus at bay.

In order to stay healthy, both physically, mentally and emotionally, we should be working to maintain a connection as much as we can with the people and things we love. These tips can help ensure that quarantine doesn’t feel like an undue burden.

28 | V I P R O P E R T Y & YA C H T

Plan Your Day As much as possible, create an outline of how you want your da y to go. This can help keep feelings of helplessness at bay and maintain a sense of power over what we can control. All that said, it’s also important to take breaks. Plan a specific time of day, if needed, but step away from the routine and do something that is just for pleasure.

Read a good book, watch a fun TV show or even take a nap - a break in the day is important!

ABOVE Make time for productive

work and for doing other things. Don’t let the day bleed into one long work session (where nothing gets done).

RIGHT Taking a short walk or doing some yoga can give your body some much-needed movement and pass part of the day.

Exercise Yes, exercise is still important to stay healthy, even during lockdown.

There are many trainers and fitness professionals offering virtual or online versions of their workouts that

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S TAY I N G W E L L

you can do from your home to stay in shape. Combining daily exercise with a dose of fresh air is also a great way to keep fit. A walk on the beach or even down the road can be just the ticket for breaking up the day.

Reach Out Call a friend. Text your loved one.

Email an old acquaintance. Check in on your co-workers or church family.

Reaching out to the people that mean something to you will keep you connected, even though you must be apart. The lack of human contact can take a toll on us all. Try hopping on a virtual family reunion to see lots of familiar faces at once - and probably have a few laughs while you’re at it.

Eat Well It can be tempting to reach for comfort food when everything else feels out of control. While the

30 | V I P R O P E R T Y & YA C H T

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ABOVE Cooking with fresh, healthy

Take time each day to do something you LOVE. If you can involve your family, even better!

occasional indulgence is just fine (baking is a great way to pass the time!), do your best to eat light, fresh foods to avoid feeling sluggish and heavy. Make preparing meals a family affair; even young children can help measure and prepare ingredients!

Stay Informed

ingredients means you’ll feel fresh and healthy too. But don’t be afraid to enjoy the occasional treat!

TOP LEFT AND LEFT Pick up the phone to stay connected with loved ones. Calls, video chats and texts are all fun ways to stay in touch!

Separate Your Time If you’re working from home, make a distinction between hours which are for work time and hours are for personal time. It’s easy to let the day blend into both, but having the day broken up and separated into sections allows for more productive work time and more enjoyable personal time.

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It’s easy to get glued to the TV or internet news seeing more and more about what’s happening here and around the world. It’s good to stay informed about precautions, news about potential treatments and to stay in touch with the global community. However, do your best to limit “news time” to get the major facts; then turn it off. Too much “bad news” tricks us into thinking that everything is bad.

B e Creative Take note of what you’ve accomplished in the day, and enjoy

the end of a day doing something that you love that is creative.

Whether you like to paint, read, or simply tinker around the house for fun, it’s important to spend time each day doing something that we enjoy.

Staying home is an important part of keeping our community healthy and protecting the most vulnerable. During a very strange time in our lives, we must think of others and do our part, while still enjoying our favourite hobbies and pastimes, staying productive and encouraging everyone to remain hopeful. ■

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KIDS PROJECTS

SANITY SAVERS:

KIDS EDITION! Tips, tricks and simple hacks for keeping kids occupied during the lockdown

BY J E SS I C A SA N TOS

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AS PARENTS, ONE of the greatest challenges we face is limiting the amount of time our children spend using electronic devices. With so many children now having their schooling online or with parents trying to work from home, the hours spent staring at a screen are way over what we would wish. Filling their spare time with engaging activities can be a struggle normally, but when faced with doing so whilst confined to home, the need to come up with new and entertaining ideas has never been greater.

With limited or no access to shops or online shopping, getting creative with what you already have at home is the only way to go. We have selected six activities guaranteed to make them forget about their tablets.

Even if you have little outside space, these ideas will keep your children busy whilst using their creativity.

Reusing everyday objects at home is a great opportunity for children to learn about sustainability and also the positive environmental impact of this lockdown on our planet.

Create a lockdown time capsule Help your child collect items and draw pictures to capture their impressions of their time in lockdown. You may be surprised by the items they want to include.

It is also a good way to get them to express their feelings about their lockdown experience through drawing and writing. Go to https:// kidsactivitiesblog.com/137490/ printable-helps-your-kids-makea-quarantine-time-capsule/ to download printables to colour and fill in.

KIDS PROJECTS

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Toilet roll crafts Make good use of all that toilet paper you stocked up on and use the leftover cardboard rolls to create something fun using craft materials that you already have at home.

From superheroes to teacups, fish and “binoculars”, the possibilities are endless.

Make a birdhouse A leftover milk or juice carton can make the best birdhouse. Even if you don’t have a tree to hang it on, a birdhouse can be left on a window ledge or hung on a balcony. Put some leftover scraps of food or fruit out for the birds and see who comes to visit.

Cards Against Humanity (Family Edition) The makers of this outrageously hilarious card game have come out with a family edition that is free to download and print at home. Click on the following link to get your copy and start playing. It is a game that will have both teenagers and parents howling with laughter. www.cardsagainsthumanity familyedition.com

Things around the house can turn into new creations with a little creativity!

KIDS PROJECTS

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Homemade bubble solution Children love bubbles!! This bubble mixture recipe uses ingredients that you will find in your kitchen cupboard and is quick to mix up when you find yourself in need of an immediate distraction. Mix together and enjoy: 2 C. water 1 4 / C. dish soap 1 TBS light corn syrup

KIDS PROJECTS

Make a mini greenhouse Kids love watching things grow. It is also a really good way to mark the passing of time during a lockdown with no fixed routine. Leftover plastic cups or bottles from the recycling can easily be converted into a mini greenhouse. Even the youngest members of your family can enjoy tending their greenhouse each day and getting the satisfaction of seeing their seeds come to life. https://www.cbc.ca/parents/play/view/ plastic-cup-mini-greenhouses â–

Recycling old materials to make something fresh and green is a fun way to pass some time during the day.

Kids will like checking in on their new creations!

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