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by pltm
(PLTM) - Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon. Carvin Malone has announced that the Government of the Virgin Islands has eased its protocols for persons opting to vacation in the territory commencing December 1.
During a live update on Tuesday, November 10 2020, he said the reason behind the tweaks stems from the ‘stir’ that the government’s previously released protocols created.
“The opportunity was taken to revisit the arrival, testing, monitoring, quarantine and isolation protocols for travellers and residents in preparation for our wider reopening,” he remarked.
As a consequence, he informed that at a meeting of Cabinet held on November 6, 2020, Cabinet decided that Phase III Testing Protocol, as amended, which requires certified reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing at various intervals and sites for all arriving travellers in order to manage the risk of COVID-19 transmission while reducing quarantine requirements during the incubation period for the disease.
He said this applies to all travellers inclusive of tourists, residents, belongers and work permit holders.
The Minister explained that Cabinet decided that all travellers will be required to download the approved app and must be issued a Travel Certificate.
“Cabinet decided that the following tests will be required: a Certified RT-PCR COVID-19 negative test within five days prior to arrival for all travellers from low risks countries; and within three days prior to arrival for all travellers from medium and high risks countries. A test on arrival, which if negative, allows controlled movement within the confines of an approved property; and a test after four complete days of quarantine, which if negative, allows movement within the Territory,” Hon. Malone exlained. He said the low, medium and high-risk countries would be listed soon.
Furthermore, he said, Cabinet also decided that a traveller who tests positive before arrival will not be allowed to enter the Virgin Islands and that if a visitor tests positive for the virus at any stage upon arrival will require 14 days quarantine on an approved vessel or property.
Boats Approved For Quarantine
Malone stated that Cabinet further decided that the Protocol for Vessel Arrivals will require certified RT-PCR testing and provide for quarantine accommodations aboard vessels as well as restricted movement within Territorial waters.
He explained: “Four days quarantine will be undertaken on the vessels at mooring sites to be approved by the Minister for Health and Social Development in consultation with the Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration.”
He stated that these boats would be able to move within territorial waters during the quarantine period, but they may only moor at approved sites as approved by him in consultation with the Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration Hon. Vincent Wheatley.
As it relates to Mega yachts, he said they would be approved entry in accordance with established marine protocols, except otherwise as approved by him.
Exemptions
The Health Minister said there would be some exemptions to the quarantine requirements for specific groups of people.
He said those groups include: aviation, maritime and medical personnel, diplomats and other essential personnel including the judiciary, persons employed in service of the Commonwealth and inter-regional Caribbean Organisations and exceptional essential persons as approved by him and the Governor.
“When entering the Virgin Islands, while these groups are exempt from mandatory quarantine, they must register on the BVI GatewayTravel Application, practice self-isolation, and adhere to the various testing requirements outlined in the Quarantine Exemption Protocols,” he pointed out.
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