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Re: Thoughts on the proposed BVI protocol...
[Re: GeorgiaGirl2]
#236428
10/07/2020 04:43 PM
10/07/2020 04:43 PM
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Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 4,267 Vero Beach, Fl and South Sound...
tpcook
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 4,267
Vero Beach, Fl and South Sound...
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The current protocol is something that I could not support nor would I allow my villa guests to stay at the villa with the current protocol. It requires a huge change. I think the current government should resign and the BVI start all over. SAD!!!
tpcook
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Re: Thoughts on the proposed BVI protocol...
[Re: ski2play]
#236432
10/07/2020 05:25 PM
10/07/2020 05:25 PM
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Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 1,167
MIDiver
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 1,167
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I have two charters planned, one in December and one in February. I do want to protect the islanders and am willing to self quarantine at home 14 days prior to travel, take a test 72 hours prior to departure and one again on arrival (but watch out for those false positives!). A quarantine will make things very difficult unless I can quarantine on the boat, in a nice location other than the charter base docks (Bight, N. Sound, Cooper, etc.) Already have provisioning/delivery arranged so that isn't an issue. I anticipate there would be lots of boats coming back in for testing on day 4 - how/where would they handle that? IMHO if the gov't is serious about Q's, they should do a serious 10-14 day and target opening for villa owners and long term vacationers. The rest of us with 10 day and under availability will just need to go elsewhere. Sure I could Q in a hotel or a villa but being stuck inside, or on a balcony for 4+ days, plus the additional lodging/testing and food costs puts this at the brink of being the straw that broke the camels back. The cost of Q in a villa with a private pool would REALLY break the camel's back. Sad sigh.
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Re: Thoughts on the proposed BVI protocol...
[Re: GeorgiaGirl2]
#236441
10/07/2020 06:40 PM
10/07/2020 06:40 PM
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,390 Ill, USA
Will_L
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,390
Ill, USA
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I’ve been pessimistic Thinking that the bvi government would shut down travel at first sign of trouble after opening and planning a trip would be iffy. They have poor facilities for handling serious Covid cases and lots of multigenerational families living closely together. Politically it is a tough situation. With offshore banking down, no tourism is killing the economy.
The path they outline is one meant to provide maximum safety to residents and claim they are opening up for tourism. They say a camel was a horse designed by a committee of politicians. I believe similarly the proposed solution is totally unworkable for tourism.
We have no expense involved with flyer miles and place to stay on VG, but we would not likely go under those restrictions even if young and unafraid of Covid. Too many hoops for a “bcation”. Few if any will do it. The other problem that those with age and or issues that make Covid more problematic..then what if you get it there. Skymed won’t evacuate you. You can’t fly commercial. Peeples is all you got.
I’m hoping Britain shoots enough of the AstraZeneca vaccine to the BVI when available to shoot up the population. Then they can take vaccinated travelers and this is behind us. I don’t know what any other answers are. Covid is so infectious and with asymptomatic spreaders it’s going to go wherever people travel. It’s going to be a long slow high season imo.
Last edited by Will_L; 10/07/2020 06:41 PM.
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Re: Thoughts on the proposed BVI protocol...
[Re: GeorgeC1]
#236443
10/07/2020 06:51 PM
10/07/2020 06:51 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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It is unworkable for tourists and there is no point in the BVI bothering to reopen. G Agreed.
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Re: Thoughts on the proposed BVI protocol...
[Re: GeorgiaGirl2]
#236444
10/07/2020 07:11 PM
10/07/2020 07:11 PM
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 5,720 Massachusetts
maytrix
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 5,720
Massachusetts
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They should look at what other countries are doing. Haven't really looked at cases in Aruba, but friends went. Had to get a test before leaving and they had a great time. If they just did a bit of the honor system and requested people isolate at home prior to going and get a test prior, it would be far more reasonable. And I think many people can isolate prior to going.
Matt
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Re: Thoughts on the proposed BVI protocol...
[Re: gordaguy2]
#236448
10/07/2020 07:45 PM
10/07/2020 07:45 PM
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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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Probably should just shut down for anyone except staycationers
GordaGuy2
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Re: Thoughts on the proposed BVI protocol...
[Re: GaryC]
#236472
10/08/2020 08:51 AM
10/08/2020 08:51 AM
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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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A question I had asked during the session was with the reduced requirements for quarantine to tourists on Dec 1st, would there be an early elimination of the current 2 week quarantine/$3500 guard fee. The question was misinterpreted and not answered so I still would like to know. I saw your question come up and I was surprised they weren't willing answer it. I tried several times to ask if any possible quarantine would have exceptions to allow people to grocery shop or how they were expected to get food but it was also ignored. The key take away for the TTOL community is these are all rumors until official protocols are approved by Cabinet. To me, the Premier seemed like he had softened on the quarantine requirement. I have noticed over the last 7 months of COVID fun that the government here is heavily influenced by social media activity. I'd say the feedback over the last few days has been some of the strongest I've seen and I am hopeful it will have an influence on the Cabinet when they approve final measures. Please keep in mind, it has only been proposed and it sounds like they will be meeting about entry protocols on Friday. Maybe we'll get more definite news next week. A question for the TTOL community: If the protocols included a test prior to entry, another test upon entry, and a contact tracing bracelet would that be acceptable to consider BVI travel?
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Re: Thoughts on the proposed BVI protocol...
[Re: NCSailor]
#236473
10/08/2020 08:54 AM
10/08/2020 08:54 AM
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 800 Kannapolis, NC
ndfaninnc
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 800
Kannapolis, NC
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It is unworkable for tourists and there is no point in the BVI bothering to reopen. G Agreed. Same here. We are not sailors like most of y'all. We love spending a week on Anegada a couple of times a year. But the 4 day quarantine is a deal breaker. I love to cook at home. Not while on vacation. Besides, that would seriously cut into the amount of money we would spend on the island with Peter, Liston, Ann and others. For the first time since '05 sadly we may need to go elsewhere. But for now, still holding out for hope.
Go Irish!!
Bill
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Re: Thoughts on the proposed BVI protocol...
[Re: JasonHelmbrecht]
#236478
10/08/2020 09:11 AM
10/08/2020 09:11 AM
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 5,720 Massachusetts
maytrix
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 5,720
Massachusetts
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A question for the TTOL community: If the protocols included a test prior to entry, another test upon entry, and a contact tracing bracelet would that be acceptable to consider BVI travel? I'd be fine with the testing prior and on entry. Wearing a tracking bracelet? Not so keen on that. Big question is what happens if someone tests positive upon entry? I'd really want to know the accuracy of the tests they use as well.
Matt
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Re: Thoughts on the proposed BVI protocol...
[Re: maytrix]
#236480
10/08/2020 09:35 AM
10/08/2020 09:35 AM
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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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A question for the TTOL community: If the protocols included a test prior to entry, another test upon entry, and a contact tracing bracelet would that be acceptable to consider BVI travel? I'd be fine with the testing prior and on entry. Wearing a tracking bracelet? Not so keen on that. Big question is what happens if someone tests positive upon entry? I'd really want to know the accuracy of the tests they use as well. They are using the PCR test that seems common other places. Not using the rapid test.
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Re: Thoughts on the proposed BVI protocol...
[Re: JasonHelmbrecht]
#236481
10/08/2020 09:38 AM
10/08/2020 09:38 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,863 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,863
Central Florida!
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If they would use the PCR test upon entry--which frankly, I think the rapid test is absolutely useless--they would have to quarantine people until the results of the test are known. That would be probably overnight, as a minimum. That, people could put up with, somehow. But 4 days? No way. And a tracking bracelet?? Oh h*ll no..
Carol Hill
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Re: Thoughts on the proposed BVI protocol...
[Re: JasonHelmbrecht]
#236484
10/08/2020 10:01 AM
10/08/2020 10:01 AM
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Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 28
sisterblysse
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 28
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A question for the TTOL community: If the protocols included a test prior to entry, another test upon entry, and a contact tracing bracelet would that be acceptable to consider BVI travel?
I would, alongside mandatory facemask wearing and abundant local availability of alcohol hand hand sanitiser for purchase.
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Re: Thoughts on the proposed BVI protocol...
[Re: GeorgiaGirl2]
#236485
10/08/2020 10:04 AM
10/08/2020 10:04 AM
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 434 Northern IL
bagsarepacked
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 434
Northern IL
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Jason, I am fine with the testing. Regarding the bracelet ~ I seemed to have missed where it has a GPS tracker in it. Is that fact or assumption? Some other countries require bracelets but from what I understand it is color coded and the color shows you have negative test results. If that is all that bracelet would do I would be ok with wearing a bracelet in the BVI. I do not really like that it sort of makes you stand out as a tourist and labels you "clean" but whatever. Some places also have people sign into restaurants so that if a case is reported they can contact and let you know. Very reasonable request I think.
Sigh, sadly I think it will be 2021 before I venture back. Hopefully an immediate result test will soon be available and all this quarantine mess goes away.
Last edited by bagsarepacked; 10/08/2020 10:07 AM.
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Re: Thoughts on the proposed BVI protocol...
[Re: JasonHelmbrecht]
#236489
10/08/2020 10:22 AM
10/08/2020 10:22 AM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 106 Winnipeg, Canada
GaryC
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 106
Winnipeg, Canada
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A question for the TTOL community: If the protocols included a test prior to entry, another test upon entry, and a contact tracing bracelet would that be acceptable to consider BVI travel?[/quote]
I fully expect testing of some kind and I could live with the bracelet. I think a 4 day quarantine for a tourists is a lot to ask for when most are only there for a week or two. My own concern is the process of pre-trip testing, submitting to IATA, booking the flight and completing travel. All that has to happen within 5 days. In some places right now tests are hard to get and take days to get results back. The process is complicated and hard to execute.
And ...I would still like to know if they are dropping the $3500 guarded quarantine for November homeowner & worker arrivals. I imagine that those in the charter boat industry who need to bring back crews and/or boats have this concern as well.
Last edited by GaryC; 10/08/2020 10:24 AM. Reason: Left something out
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Re: Thoughts on the proposed BVI protocol...
[Re: GaryC]
#236490
10/08/2020 10:28 AM
10/08/2020 10:28 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,863 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,863
Central Florida!
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Gary--you are correct about the timing of the test. There is a lot of the US that it is almost impossible to get a test and results with 72 hours. 120 hours is a lot more doable--BUT gives you also a much longer time to be infected, after the test..
Carol Hill
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Re: Thoughts on the proposed BVI protocol...
[Re: sleepychef]
#236494
10/08/2020 10:31 AM
10/08/2020 10:31 AM
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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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The tracking bracelt is a not needed as Google download a Covid-19 tracker on everyones phones months ago, just needs to be turned on(or off if you don't know its on already) don't know about iPhones.
The problem with the phone trackers is many guests don't carry their phones around because they don't have roaming turned on so they are useless to the guest. No way to enforce someone carrying their phone 100% of the time but a bracelet that can't be removed is more foolproof.
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Re: Thoughts on the proposed BVI protocol...
[Re: VirginGordaResident]
#236498
10/08/2020 10:42 AM
10/08/2020 10:42 AM
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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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lol you guys really believe the BVI government is capable of pulling off GPS tracking bracelets for 1000's of tourists in 7 weeks time? Much less a functional phone application? Yes but only because the idea of the tracking bracelets isn't new. When we were inspected to house quarantined belongers, the health inspector was already talking about using the bracelets instead of hiring security to guard every person. So that means they've been considering it since June. 6 months might be enough time...
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Re: Thoughts on the proposed BVI protocol...
[Re: GeorgiaGirl2]
#236503
10/08/2020 10:54 AM
10/08/2020 10:54 AM
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Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 405 Virgin Gorda, BVI
VirginGordaResident
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 405
Virgin Gorda, BVI
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Sure, the article says that. I just don't buy it for a second.
I personally don't think the government is capable of ordering, tracking and maintaining such a system. For example, what happens when someone takes off their bracelet (or it just breaks off) during their charter? Is immigration going to go out and track them down?
Last edited by VirginGordaResident; 10/08/2020 10:54 AM.
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