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Positive Developments for PCR Testing and Travel in the BVI
#229379
07/05/2020 02:03 PM
07/05/2020 02:03 PM
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 162 The Beautiful BVI
Brent
OP
Traveler
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OP
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 162
The Beautiful BVI
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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
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Re: Positive Developments for PCR Testing and Travel in the BVI
[Re: Brent]
#229384
07/05/2020 06:37 PM
07/05/2020 06:37 PM
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Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,409 Bucks County, Pa.
toast
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,409
Bucks County, Pa.
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Thank you. Glad to see some “safe” progress. Hoping to be on island November
Toast.......to Life; White Bay...heaven on earth. Diane
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Re: Positive Developments for PCR Testing and Travel in the BVI
[Re: Brent]
#229389
07/05/2020 09:55 PM
07/05/2020 09:55 PM
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Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 761 Redmond, WA
MrEZgoin
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 761
Redmond, WA
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Encouraging, thanks! Hope to be there in November too.
M4000 "Lio Kai"
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Re: Positive Developments for PCR Testing and Travel in the BVI
[Re: sleepychef]
#229408
07/06/2020 12:04 PM
07/06/2020 12:04 PM
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Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 3,359 Cane Garden Bay, Tortola
JasonHelmbrecht
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 3,359
Cane Garden Bay, Tortola
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you can apply by contacting them directly but you must pay for 2 weeks on lockdown in a government facility Peter - are you referring to Work Permit holders?
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Re: Positive Developments for PCR Testing and Travel in the BVI
[Re: Brent]
#229415
07/06/2020 04:06 PM
07/06/2020 04:06 PM
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,148 road town
sleepychef
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,148
road town
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Re: Positive Developments for PCR Testing and Travel in the BVI
[Re: VirginGordaResident]
#229467
07/07/2020 04:55 PM
07/07/2020 04:55 PM
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Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 3,359 Cane Garden Bay, Tortola
JasonHelmbrecht
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 3,359
Cane Garden Bay, Tortola
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Are you guys sure about this? I thought only BVI Belongers were allowed to return right now. The immigration order issued on 16 June expired on 30 June and I haven't seen a new one. It was the order that officially halted inbound travel except for Belongers and Permanent residents. So, legally anyone could enter at this time but there are non-legislated restrictions including applying to the government for entry and mandatory quarantine.
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Re: Positive Developments for PCR Testing and Travel in the BVI
[Re: gordaguy2]
#229468
07/07/2020 05:25 PM
07/07/2020 05:25 PM
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,040 Charlotte, NC
NCSailor
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,040
Charlotte, NC
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I think it includes normal residents Are there many abnormal residents?
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Re: Positive Developments for PCR Testing and Travel in the BVI
[Re: NCSailor]
#229473
07/07/2020 06:19 PM
07/07/2020 06:19 PM
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Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 1,278 Washington DC
bailau
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 1,278
Washington DC
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I think it includes normal residents Are there many abnormal residents? LOL...that is funny
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Re: Positive Developments for PCR Testing and Travel in the BVI
[Re: JasonHelmbrecht]
#229491
07/08/2020 07:55 AM
07/08/2020 07:55 AM
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Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 356 Virgin Gorda, BVI
VirginGordaResident
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 356
Virgin Gorda, BVI
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Are you guys sure about this? I thought only BVI Belongers were allowed to return right now. The immigration order issued on 16 June expired on 30 June and I haven't seen a new one. It was the order that officially halted inbound travel except for Belongers and Permanent residents. So, legally anyone could enter at this time but there are non-legislated restrictions including applying to the government for entry and mandatory quarantine. Thanks for this, very helpful. Have you personally heard of any Work Permit holders attempting to return and being allowed/denied?
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Re: Positive Developments for PCR Testing and Travel in the BVI
[Re: JasonHelmbrecht]
#229522
07/08/2020 02:00 PM
07/08/2020 02:00 PM
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Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 356 Virgin Gorda, BVI
VirginGordaResident
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 356
Virgin Gorda, BVI
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I have not. I know some people with Permission to Reside status (which is different than Permanent Resident) who have not been allowed back yet. I doubt Work Permit holders will be allowed back anytime soon especially since they have to pay for their quarantine/security costs themselves.
I'm hoping to leave for the heart of hurricane season but if I can't get back as a Work Permit holder, I'll be rethinking it. Yeah, I'm in a similar boat. Supposed to go home for 2 months starting July 20th and returning September 18th. But I don't know what to do...
Last edited by VirginGordaResident; 07/08/2020 02:04 PM.
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Re: Positive Developments for PCR Testing and Travel in the BVI
[Re: Manpot]
#229524
07/08/2020 02:01 PM
07/08/2020 02:01 PM
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Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 356 Virgin Gorda, BVI
VirginGordaResident
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 356
Virgin Gorda, BVI
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We have permission to reside status and are watching and waiting. Watching and waiting meaning you applied to return and were denied? Or literally just means waiting until they announce directly persons with permission to reside status are allowed to return
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Re: Positive Developments for PCR Testing and Travel in the BVI
[Re: Manpot]
#229529
07/08/2020 02:26 PM
07/08/2020 02:26 PM
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Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 356 Virgin Gorda, BVI
VirginGordaResident
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 356
Virgin Gorda, BVI
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Waiting until they anncounce we can return and without paid quarantine. This may turn things upside down we usually leave Tortola early August..but may well be heading down then..or September. It will be intersting to see if the places that normally close then will open..thoughts Jason?? Any chance you know how much paid quarantine is right now for a couple? And do you know if a couple can quarantine together or does it have to be solo
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Re: Positive Developments for PCR Testing and Travel in the BVI
[Re: Manpot]
#229532
07/08/2020 02:32 PM
07/08/2020 02:32 PM
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Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 3,359 Cane Garden Bay, Tortola
JasonHelmbrecht
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 3,359
Cane Garden Bay, Tortola
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Waiting until they anncounce we can return and without paid quarantine. This may turn things upside down we usually leave Tortola early August..but may well be heading down then..or September. It will be intersting to see if the places that normally close then will open..thoughts Jason?? I'm not sure what will stay open. Places around here are VERY quiet. I only saw 2 other tables at Gene's on a Friday night last week. Tramonti, Banana's, Bananakeet, Dove and Quito's seem to have a similar crowd. With staffing cost, I don't see how anyone is making money by opening. Already most places are only open weekends. I think Quito's closes July 26.
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Re: Positive Developments for PCR Testing and Travel in the BVI
[Re: VirginGordaResident]
#229533
07/08/2020 02:35 PM
07/08/2020 02:35 PM
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Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 3,359 Cane Garden Bay, Tortola
JasonHelmbrecht
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 3,359
Cane Garden Bay, Tortola
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Waiting until they anncounce we can return and without paid quarantine. This may turn things upside down we usually leave Tortola early August..but may well be heading down then..or September. It will be intersting to see if the places that normally close then will open..thoughts Jason?? Any chance you know how much paid quarantine is right now for a couple? And do you know if a couple can quarantine together or does it have to be solo I think they will let a couple quarantine together because we were inspected by the Health Ministry to house returning residents and with 8 villas available, they agreed we could house up to 16 if they were all couples. I think the cost has got to be in the $300-400/day range for a room because they are paying for the room, 2 security guards, and 3 meals/day/person.
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Re: Positive Developments for PCR Testing and Travel in the BVI
[Re: JasonHelmbrecht]
#229539
07/08/2020 03:44 PM
07/08/2020 03:44 PM
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Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 356 Virgin Gorda, BVI
VirginGordaResident
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 356
Virgin Gorda, BVI
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Waiting until they anncounce we can return and without paid quarantine. This may turn things upside down we usually leave Tortola early August..but may well be heading down then..or September. It will be intersting to see if the places that normally close then will open..thoughts Jason?? Any chance you know how much paid quarantine is right now for a couple? And do you know if a couple can quarantine together or does it have to be solo I think they will let a couple quarantine together because we were inspected by the Health Ministry to house returning residents and with 8 villas available, they agreed we could house up to 16 if they were all couples. I think the cost has got to be in the $300-400/day range for a room because they are paying for the room, 2 security guards, and 3 meals/day/person. Got it. Thanks that is very helpful. Rumor around here is Work Permit holders will be allowed to return August 1st. But who knows that is very much the "coconut telegraph"
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Re: Positive Developments for PCR Testing and Travel in the BVI
[Re: VirginGordaResident]
#229540
07/08/2020 03:50 PM
07/08/2020 03:50 PM
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Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 3,359 Cane Garden Bay, Tortola
JasonHelmbrecht
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 3,359
Cane Garden Bay, Tortola
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Waiting until they anncounce we can return and without paid quarantine. This may turn things upside down we usually leave Tortola early August..but may well be heading down then..or September. It will be intersting to see if the places that normally close then will open..thoughts Jason?? Any chance you know how much paid quarantine is right now for a couple? And do you know if a couple can quarantine together or does it have to be solo I think they will let a couple quarantine together because we were inspected by the Health Ministry to house returning residents and with 8 villas available, they agreed we could house up to 16 if they were all couples. I think the cost has got to be in the $300-400/day range for a room because they are paying for the room, 2 security guards, and 3 meals/day/person. Got it. Thanks that is very helpful. Rumor around here is Work Permit holders will be allowed to return August 1st. But who knows that is very much the "coconut telegraph" Still with quarantine I assume?
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Re: Positive Developments for PCR Testing and Travel in the BVI
[Re: VirginGordaResident]
#229648
07/10/2020 03:41 PM
07/10/2020 03:41 PM
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Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,409 Bucks County, Pa.
toast
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,409
Bucks County, Pa.
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Hoping for 11/1 as that is my resheduled arrival🤫🤞
Toast.......to Life; White Bay...heaven on earth. Diane
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Re: Positive Developments for PCR Testing and Travel in the BVI
[Re: bagsarepacked]
#229674
07/11/2020 09:13 AM
07/11/2020 09:13 AM
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,557 Toronto, Ontario
gordaguy2
Traveler
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Traveler
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,557
Toronto, Ontario
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Agree bagsarepacked - there is no way to get a reliable test 72 hours before leaving in Toronto, at least currently, while we have few cases here I would love to get down to BVI in November and if testing is required don't know how that would happen.
GordaGuy2
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Re: Positive Developments for PCR Testing and Travel in the BVI
[Re: gordaguy2]
#229680
07/11/2020 09:52 AM
07/11/2020 09:52 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 81,502 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 81,502
Central Florida!
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I'm not sure what the parameters will be for the BVI, but for SXM, the RESULTS have to be received no more than 72 hours before you arrive. You don't have to TAKE and test AND receive the results within 72 hours. So if you know it's going to take 7 days for the test to come back, you take the test 9 days before you have to go, and hopefully the results don't come back too soon!!
Last edited by Carol_Hill; 07/11/2020 12:12 PM.
Carol Hill
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