Ahoy Captains,
A BVI news source reports, 5.7.20, that the BVI Gov/Health Dept is now open to the public for PCR Testing for Covid 19.
https://www.bviplatinum.com/news.php?articleId=31776With the hope that travel back into the BVI for those of us with Work Permits and of course for Tourism in general may open up soon, on 1.7.20 I checked in person with the BVI Gov Health Dept office, then BVI Gov Public Health Office, then the Hospital, then the RoadTown Clinic, regarding PCR testing for Covid 19.
The consensus was for anyone travelling that the process was 1. Contact the BVI Gov Health Dept more than 10 Days prior to your travel in writing (this may be covidrrt@outlook.com) with the details of your travel plans. 2. You will be notified Where and When to be tested (this may be at the RoadTown Clinic in the Old Hospital). 3. Pay the fee (maybe $55) and be tested. 4. You will be notified ASAP.
I am guessing the testing is facilitated by the equipment sourced from the UK on 25.5.20.
https://bvi.gov.vg/media-centre/lab-receives-new-equipment-enhance-covid-19-testing That this testing is now available to the general pubic may contribute to the re-opening of the BVI to Travel and Tourism.
https://www.bviplatinum.com/news.php?articleId=31750 https://www.bviplatinum.com/news.php?articleId=31737After the failure of the Quarantine options.
http://www.virginislandsnewsonline....halt-covid-19-self-quarantine-hon-maloneThis sets up the BVI, and sailing on a Yacht in the BVI, as one of the Safest places in the world.
This also enables those Tourists with an extended vacation to be re-Tested to avoid any subsequent quarantines.
With the proliferation of PCR Testing in the Home Countries of all our Valued Guests prior to their arrival in the BVI, the BVI will soon offer to Anyone, with Zero Covid19 infections in the BVI and PCR screening of Every Individual prior to entering the BVI, the Safety and Security of enjoying a Vacation with ‘No Shirt, No Shoes, No Mask … No Problems’ on a Yacht in the BVI, with the knowledge that all the other crew are also Safe and Virus Free.
No Politics, so I respect that the BVI Gov continues to React to the Covid 19 crisis based on the Medical Circumstances, rather than based on a Financial-Socio-Political Calendar.
Yes, other countries have different “Plans” based on Economics or Elections or other criteria, and there are other options in the Caribbean and Internationally that are encouraging travel without Testing, but considering some of the Medical Developments overseas !!!
Sorry, this a mix of BVI Gov and Local News posts, so the info may be incomplete or outdated. I hope it will change quickly as the Medical situation changes.
With an active “H” season underway, I will leave it up to your Captain to navigate the Safest course for the Crew over the next few months, or better yet next season.
I am looking forward to a Very Healthy ‘20/’21 Yacht Charter Season in every way.
I will personally Upgrade the Cleaning for every Yacht with The Captains Compass for every charter that includes waterproof mattress covers, new pillows, double cleaning of the linens with bleach, bleaching the exterior, a bleach rinse for all the galleyware, and cleaning the entire interior with Hydrogen Peroxide or bleach.
I believe that Commercial Aviation is Now the Cleanest Public Space you will find, certainly cleaner than your neighbourhood food/gas/liquor store.
I understand that none of the conditions I have reported are ‘perfect’, but relatively speaking, I believe that Sailing a Yacht in the BVI will be one of the Safest and Healthiest and therefore Best Vacations that You and your Family and Friends can enjoy for many years.
Fair Winds, Brent from The Captains Compass
