Link to BVI News article below:

Protocols for air travel to be released by next Thursday

Sounds about right....keeping my fingers crossed for no quarantine

It will be what it will be. I am so exhausted from this rollercoaster that I am done caring by now. And the way things are going with second surge in Europe, coming down in December may be moot anyway.

Fingers and everything else crossed...need to get back.

I also have given up on going back anytime soon. Just too much hassle and expenses.Even at this date they still cannot give any information except manana. Will go to Key West instead. Easy drive down a great highway. I also am not going to accept any guests even though that hurts my bottom line and after having spent millions it hurts not to have any income.

Not giving up on going back or giving up on the 2021 season yet.....

Although mentally I will admit I have finally wrapped my head around not having any rental income for the foreseeable future from Hideaway and while not happy, it is what it is and we will be okay.

We have been working out a different short term business model to get us through this period. Once the protocols are announced, we may try and secure 30 day rentals at a reduced rate (pay for 2.5 weeks and stay for up to 30 days) <--looking at the retirees that would have come for a week to ten days population or those who can work remotely. Not sure we will get many takers, but any subsidy to the maintenance costs would be helpful.

Only had maybe 2 renters that stayed over 2 weeks. Gave them a discount but all of them were couples. Since my villa is very large now I cannot rent for a month or so with low rates.. I think you will find the same. Most folks stay up to 2 weeks.

I have not had a request for a rental in 3 months. Don't know if it will pick up early 2021. I have some rentals for mid year.and some renters that have paid and are waiting to be able to come in.

We have never had a renter stay that long either tpcook, but COVID is dictating that we all think and structure our businesses differently.

We are working through those thoughts rather than wanting and wishing for the world to return to Pre Irma/Covid status.

We have many snowbirds from our area who are looking to spend a month down south and have been approached on doing this with our villa. If the protocols dictate that weekly rentals are not feasible, we want to be ready with plan b or plan c.

Does that make sense?

It does make sense..we have had renters at CRC for one month and a couple for six weeks. We will be getting very creative once we know what the fri&&in rules are. We will most certainly offer 10 days for 7 and increasing discounts for longer term..

It makes perfect sense. We have several regular renters that come for 3-4 weeks and some as long as 60 days. We give very favorable rates and reduce the housekeeping overhead a little bit. Other island nations are encouraging people to come for several months and work remotely. Sure wish the BVI would be forward thinking like that. I'd like nothing more than a full property of people staying for 2+ months!

You might be surprised this year as to guest requests for longer rentals..we have had guests ask for 1 month and even multi month rentals in the Outer Banks for the first time...They just want to get out of their houses and go somewhere different.

BVI would be a great place to spend a month

I totally agree. I am not working remotely so I have limited time off. We are still holding out on getting to Anegada sometime. But in the meantime a few days on St Helena Island, SC is coming up this weekend. It ain't the BVI. But I need to see the ocean in a bad way.

Sounds like there are more than a few villa owners on this forum. We have a sail boat in a charter fleet (in the BVI) and we have been talking about mixing in some time on land in between our owner-time charters. In other words, stay in the BVI for a month or two....two weeks on boat, two weeks on island, rinse and repeat. I would be interested getting more info. Please PM on this forum or post a link where I can get more info.

Quite a few of us are TTOL sponsors. If you watch the banners on each page you'll see them pop up or you can go to the BVI Sponsors page.

I have 10 rentals right in the center of Cane Garden Bay. Walking distance to the beach, groceries, laundry, and all the bars and restaurants that CGB offers! Stop by and check us out sometime when you're on charter. My banner says Agape Cottages, but will change soon as we are rebranding to Coconut Breeze Villas.

Cheers,
Jason

www.virgin-gorda-villa.com large waterfront villa on vg

Hi Husker - that sounds like a great idea - I'm sure we can work something out. cheers Brian

Hello Ski2play

Irma ate my boat that my wife and I pretty much lived on for almost 20 years so last year we did a 30 day rental in March. If you have a proposal I would be happy to hear it. PM me anytime.

Thanks This goes for any other member who would like to speak with me

Buddy

Buddy, sorry to hear about your boat. Irma was a $itch! She ate our villa up to but we have rebuilt.

Will send you a private message.


https://www.hideaway-villa.com/

E-Mail me at tpcook@videoautomation.com what your requirements are including rental costs

You know guys, this has nothing to do with the topic of this thread. I understand that villa owners are hurting for bookings, but TTOL has not received any income since this Corona thing started either. Please take your conversations to PMs. Thanks.

Back to the original topic, please..

this is a link to protocols for restaurants and bars. Lots of hoops so hopefully entry will be easy or easier.

https://files.constantcontact.com/4c5001ec601/1b5eb753-75dd-416c-b2ee-b9213da8529f.pdf

Tomorrow is the day!

https://youtu.be/VQFxmAdyKcg

LOL...well played, George.

Classic movie

They are in Cabinet tonight so tomorrow or Thursday

I'm surprised there isn't anything here about plexiglass on the bars. Most of the bars here have installed plexi to separate the guests from bartenders and taken away the stools. This just mentions plexi at the hostess stand and separating bar stools by 6 feet. Did I miss something?

The meeting last night was a joke, the bar meeting last week was much better and laid out all the information about the plexiglass and what was required, the Enviromental Health did the bar meeting. Last night the Tourist Board did the meeting but didn'tknow the difference between BOH staff and FOH staff , very poor show after waiting 3 weeks for it.

I think there might be an annoucement today as Premier has a meeting on Jost on Thursday

We are hoping for an announcement today. And looking forward to the meeting tomorrow with the Premier!

Bahamas released theirs:

HERE the latest Travel requirements to the Bahamas, effective 01st. November, 2020!

Prior to Travel:
• COVID-19 RT-PCR Test: All persons traveling to The Bahamas must obtain a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR (swab) test taken no more than seven (7) days prior to the date of arrival. The name and address of the lab, where the test was performed, must be clearly displayed on the test result.
o Children ten (10) and under and pilots and crew of commercial airlines, who remain overnight in The Bahamas, are exempt from obtaining the RT-PCR test.
• Bahamas Health Travel Visa: Once in possession of a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test, all travelers will then be required to apply for a Bahamas Health Travel Visa at travel.gov.bs (click on the International Tab) where the required test must be uploaded.
The cost of the visa will depend on the length of stay. (approximately $65 which will cover processing fees, both Rapid Antigen Tests and a travel interruption insurance) You only have to pay for what you will require.
Upon Arrival
• Day of Arrival (Day One): Rapid Test – All persons entering The Bahamas, at an approved Port of Entry, will receive a Rapid COVID-19 antigen test.
If arriving by air, an approved Port of Entry will be: Nassau, Freeport, Marsh Harbour, North Eleuthera, Georgetown (Exuma), Bimini (and Cat Cay) and San Andros (Andros). (AND, Long Island was just added to this list)
If arriving by sea, an approved Port of Entry will be: Nassau (Atlantis, Bay Street Marina, Lyford Cay, Albany and Nassau Yacht Haven); Grand Bahama (West End – Old Bahama Bay and Freeport – Lucaya); Abaco (Marsh Harbour Government Dock); Eleuthera (Spanish Wells Marina); Berry Islands (Chubb Cay Club); Bimini (Big Game Club and Cat Cay Club); Exuma (Georgetown Government Dock).
American Airlines has indicated that, beginning in late October, they wish to provide each passenger traveling to The Bahamas from Miami with a Rapid COVID-19 antigen test before boarding the plane. These passengers, along with the passengers of any other airlines wishing to provide a similar service, will not be required to complete the Rapid Test upon arrival in The Bahamas.
After Arrival
• Day Five (96 hours after arrival): Rapid Test – All persons who entered The Bahamas, and who are staying longer than four nights and five days, will be required to take a second Rapid COVID-19 antigen test. To be clear, all visitors departing on Day Five will not be required to obtain this test.
The cost of the rapid tests on and after arrival will be included in the cost of the visa.
The rapid tests are easy, quick and will yield results in 20 minutes or less with results being provided electronically.
Many hotel properties will provide relevant information on testing arrangements, while others will facilitate the required rapid test for their guests.
All persons on yachts and other pleasure craft will be able to make arrangements for their required rapid tests at the port of entry or via the relevant website.
All other visitors, returning residents and citizens will be able to make arrangements for their required rapid tests at the port of entry or via the relevant website.
The On Island Experience:
All islands in The Bahamas require the wearing of masks and appropriate social distancing in public places.
The Bahamas has remained diligent in its efforts to minimize the spread of COVID-19 throughout the islands, and these measures are imperative to ensure that remains the case. The health and well being of both residents and visitors remain the number one priority of our public health officials. It is important to note, however, that due to fluidity of the COVID-19 situation, both in The Bahamas and worldwide, protocols are subject to change.

I feel like these are reasonable - I like the fact that the “follow up” test is included in the original cost for the visa - spending $$$ on 3 separate tests would be a bummer.

I am also going to investigate whether or not American Airlines will be testing prior to our 12/3 flight to Puerto Rico.

Fingers crossed for NO QUARANTINE!!!

The premier said Thursday of NEXT week, and tomorrow is the final "consultation", so I wonder if the announcement is planned for the 29th.

As to the Bahamas, sounds fine, except for not testing kids under ten. Nurseries and primary schools are germ factories. Seems like excluding them could be a risk.

The 29th??!! I'm sure that I'm not the only one that needs to make some decisions before then as we have a 12/3 arrival date....... Like Winterstale, fingers crossed for no quarantine, which would likely make this impossible for us, as well as info about testing locations if a test on day 5 is required - hoping to avoid a return to the docks.

RatmansWife--Most countries have an exclusion of testing for children under 10. I think it is a throwback to when authorities thought they were somewhat immune from the virus, which is absolutely false. While their chance of morbidity is extremely low, they are definitely NOT immune. That policy should change, especially since it is known that a fair number of people (of all ages) are asymptomatic.

Peter - are they really saying NEXT Thursday??? This is really getting ridiculous if so....

I do not mind going to a dock to get tested if it means I don’t have to quarantine. I will trade a dock visit for that in a heartbeat.

The theory on children is that if they have it the parents would more than likely test positive also. There is a slim chance that they caught it and not enough time has passed for the parents to be infected but I think it’s a risk countries are welling to take. The test is very unpleasant and would not be fun to try and administer to children.

I think it's a stupid risk, regardless of the type of test involved.

The statement was made on a ZBVI interview on Thursday, 15 October so I'm fairly certain he intended the announcement would be today or tomorrow. Keep in mind, those protocols when announced will likely only be for the airport.

Here is a link to an article with the full quote from the Honorable Premier.

Thanks, Jason — that is indeed a relief!

We booked Intercaribbean into Beef on 12/3 - fingers crossed!!!

As you know, things change here. That was the original intention, but today is a new day!

If you want a break, check out our webcam and watch the surfers on Cannon Point today....

Good idea!!!

I zoomed the camera in to the point for the day...

Click Sunset Cam on Coconut Breeze Villas.

Ah....the roosters....LOL....love it....miss it

LOL. I forgot I had the microphone on. Hope nobody hears me yelling at the transient goats or the contractor...

Oh no! I love it that I can hear the island!!!

Our contractors are more transient than our goats.

Haha. Mine too!

wow...that is such a beautiful view...thanks for leaving the sound on

So no news?

Come back another day.

No, we’re giving up on coming back.

I Just booked a Mexico upscale all adult, all inclusive, for a December trip.
Mexico is open. Small AI means low risk.

Tired of putting up with tyrannical idiots!

284 Media is live-streaming the meeting from Jost Van Dyke.
Expect typical island connectivity.

I missed it but someone who was watching said the Premier indicated the announcement would be delayed until Monday.

Announcement moved to Monday.

I'm sure some protocols will leak out during the JVD meeting. Live feed here.

Really disappointed. Listening to this, my thought is they will likely push the announcement out even farther - I don't think they are ready.

I was told by a relatively reliable source yesterday that the protocols were approved this week.

If that is so, I wish they would release them.

Ports to open December 8th.

Ports top to open Dec 8th?? Does that mean ferries (ferry) will run? Love to hear any word on this ..thanks..

I'm sure that's what it means. The ports are already open for cargo.

Very good news if that's true..thanks J..hoping to see you in Dec!

No more detail on that until Monday. My take was they meant for passengers. They also added that all the ports (of entry?) would open at the same time. More detail Monday.

I watched some of the livestream meeting on JVD.
Premier said (paraphrased): All ports will open, but did not give a date. Also, would not answer if BVIs would require a negative test like the USVIs, nor would confirm quarantine timeframe. Will not make a decision to put people at risk for the sake of the dollar. Kept referring to the speech on Monday and asked to keep in mind that Covid is fluid and if they have to make adjustments after announcing the protocols they will. Travel between JVD and St. Thomas will have protocols, so cannot just go "get some KFC can come back".
Health Minister said (paraphrased): The things that have made us safe cannot be thrown away. We have looked at every rapid test in terms of safety and they have failed, not always accurate. Other tests that could be used are still to be confirmed. To release someone immediately upon arrival is risky. Burmuda has 4 day quarantine. Look at the Bahamas - they had to shut down again and cabinet members are quarantining. We're taking all of this into consideration to see where other countries that have opened up had a spike. We have to be mindful and be safe and keep health aspects in the full view.

They said several times the seaports will open on Dec. 8.

I also heard December 8th for the seaports.

Obviously all rumors until the speech on "Monday" but a few other things I heard:

- Sister Island testing sites to be: Anegada(1), JVD(1), VG(1), Tortola(3-4).

- No Olde Years celebration

- Actually more than 8 ventilators on Tortola

- All seaports will open at the same time; planned for December 8

For everyone who is scared of the nasal exam or lives in an area that testing locations are scarce or slow, Costco has a home PCR option. 24-72 hour reporting once the package is received. For most places requiring a 5 day test, this should be sufficient if you're near a UPS location.

Test Kit

The nasal swab was easy.

I only mention because some TTOL members seem to be planning around the pain and suffering of the nasal swab. Here's an option if necessary. Seems pretty easy and I might order a couple down here and just overnight them back if I need to travel for an emergency!

I had one nasal swab that was easy. The second one not so much!!

I'm not sure a home test kit will be accepted. How can anyone be sure that the sample came from the named person?

Have a uterine biopsy and get back to me ;-)

The home kit that Costco is selling is available with a $10 option where the company will monitor, via computer video, while you take the test and seal the package. Presumably that provides a reasonable (but not 100% foolproof) chain of custody.

The nasal swab test is easy...is it uncomfortable? Sure - for about two seconds.

I’ve had worse boat bites after too many of Leon’s painkillers LOL

They need to combine to COVID test with the welcome rum punch. Take a quick swig of the rum punch and then let them swab away! Then chase it with another swig. Problem solved.

We'll be experts at the nasal swab by the time we get back to the VIs from Grenada. We managed an itinerary with only 3 COVID tests for the two of us! Only $732 US for the two of us. The four day sail straight through may happen, but I'd like to see a couple of islands. The CARICOM travel bubble lets us visit St. Lucia, Dominica, and Antigua. Sint Maarten does not require COVID test if you are from the bubble; we'll get a COVID test for USVI re-entry in Sint Maarten.

Of course, the protocols could change at any time. Plan B is to sail back direct.

Cheers, RickG

$732 for 6 tests total is reasonable. I have heard rumors they will be $250 each in the BVI - ridiculous.

The BVI Health Services Authority responded to me when I asked the cost of testing from travel (from the BVI) - they said $135.

Their advertising poster indicated an appointment (by telephone call) was necessary 7 days prior and that the results could take 48 to 72 hours.

That's all I have seen in writing so far.

Its always been $135 for people wanting the test to leave the territory.

....should be interesting to see if the price will be different for anyone trying to ENTER....

Do you think they might try to profit from visiting tourists?

Who knows?

The government seems to believe people are happy to pay anything to be there. A private clinic here charges $50 for a walk-in test with results in 23-48 hours. So there must be plenty of profit at $135. I think I read NHI, which is in financial trouble, doesn't pay, so maybe that's the explanation.

I would be happy to pay $135 twice and not have to quarantine! Sign me up!

Here, if you want quick turn-around, you pay through the nose. An unfortunate analogy considering the testing method. The nearest pharmacy that does tests for quick turn-around charges a substantial premium. From their web site:

"Is there a way to get expedited test results?
Yes, expedited results are available for traveling purposes. It is $250 for a 48-hour turn around, and $500 for a 24-hour turn around."

Thank God we sold our Alexandria condo Friday. That is a rip-off!

Not seeing that pricing here....but then again...I am in Florida....ROFL....

Hey, Northern Virginia, you can get whatever you can pay for....

I'm sure they will say that is the fee for expediting. Amusing to me in that the pharmacy location is exactly one block from the Fedex Store and the Post Office. Fortunately, there do seem to be other (more reasonably priced) options in the area.

Since this thread was running in parallel with another thread I thought I would post this here. The moderator chose to close the thread after I made a post about how hard it is to make a corona virus vaccine. I commented people have been trying for 20 years. She choose to pronounce that post a obviously wrong and closed the thread with zero fact checking. Here is correct formation from two sources.

https://elemental.medium.com/the-reason-we-dont-have-a-coronavirus-vaccine-16ec63524277

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/may/22/why-we-might-not-get-a-coronavirus-vaccine

OK, Monday is here. I am waiting for the promised declaration. I am going to keep my thoughts to myself as to what I think it will be. I still have dec 1-15 tickets but very doubtful that will happen.

I suspect given the worldwide Covid numbers the news will not be good. My fingers are still crossed but I see little hope. I asked my 10 year old granddaughter if she might want a road trip to Disney instead of sailing in the BVI and she said she only wants to go to the BVI!
G

Good for your granddaughter...smart lady

and agree with your point on 20 years...

The good news on the 20 year point is researchers have been able to use those attempts to help speed development of a vaccine for this new corona virus. One thing I did not take into account on opening the BVI up is they may be satisfied with vaccinating the high risk population in the BVI and allow a opening with prior testing at that point. It might be possible to save the spring season that way. I would think the BVI could make a case that they should be at the top of the list for a vaccine for high risk individuals given the health and economic implications.

They are already in line to get 20% of the island vaccinated as soon as it becomes available as it has already been funded.

So if I am vaccinated the USA, I then would want to travel without tests or masks. How is that going to work?

What time are they supposed to be releasing the protocols today? I was told by my wife over the weekend that she’s just tired of this emotional roller coaster...can’t say I disagree. Will be nice to know one way or the other if the BVI’s are an option so we can make arrangements to visit or go somewhere else.

I agree, Andiamo...this is one roller coaster I'm not enjoying at all. I think it was so silly of them to plan a big BVILove campaign (they didn't even purchase the website for BVILove so the effort was half-cocked, at best!) for Dec 1 and with all the hoops and obstacles, they will be lucky if anyone visits.

Tonight 8pm

Whooping doo

Can they not just make an official post like every other country? I’m all for having a public conference/discussion, but no reason they can’t just release the details!

It should be officially published in a gazette but I would expect the gazette publication will be after any public announcement.
BVI Official Gazettes (Government Actions)

Have to agree, a very odd time for an official government announcement on a critical topic. I'm not very hopeful.

Hey, give them a break. They must have paid a lot of necessary money to get ESPN to allow them to have the conference during the opening sequence of Monday Night Football.

Here in the US we are being beaten to death by certain politicos..and all we want to hear from our beloved BVI"s is "WHAT WILL IT TAKE FOR US TO GET HOME!!!!". I dont need another press conference that will, maybe, start at midnight and just compound the problem. Lets hear 1, 2, 3 and you're done..PLEASE!!!!!!

It's showtime!

"If your PCR test is positive you cant come"....well no [censored]

Quarantine? Yay or Nay?

Did I just hear that correctly? Day 1, day 4 and day 8 PCR test (must be negative) and then they let you free with your phone tracking app?

Limited location for 4 days

Tests day 1 day 4 day 8

So 4 day quarantine?

George....I didn't quite understand the (I'm paraphrasing) "limited movement to approved locations" on days 4-8...or maybe I didn't hear it clearly.

Limited location for 4 days would be fine if we could get on our boat and grab a Mooring at Norman and visit the caves/indians during the day and keep to ourselves. I'd have no problem doing that. Having to go back to Tortola to get tested again.. bit of a pain, but doable if they made it easy and could be done at the docks. Otherwise we'll wait.

I guess we will need to see it in writing. He talked too fast thru the protocols.

Also need tracing app on phone...i heard limited travel 4 to 8 day as well

Certification for villas

Also need tracing app on phone...i heard limited travel 4 to 8 day as well

Certification for villas

1 test on arrival
1 test after 4 days in quarantine
1 test at day 8 so you can move about freely butonly intp tourist establishment with a Goldseal

this is far worse than I could of imagined

It doesn't sound feasible to me. Aside from scaring the tourists off, I don't think they can implement what was described. Too many moving parts, too much coordination required, too much technology. I hate to say it but I think the whole thing (the processes) come crashing down in December and they will have to do another reset.

That pretty much rules out the 7 day vacation crowd...which includes me.

I heard test before departing, test on arrival, move to Q for 4 days, test on day 5 then move to another isolated location for another 4 days, with another test on day 8. Plus contact tracing on cell phone. For next several months. We won't be going in December and most likely February as well.

Agree as to far worse...feel bad for my island friends whose businesses and lives depend on something better

The protocols that were just announced amount to a closing, not an opening, of the BVI for tourism. It is simply not doable for 90% of potential visitors. So long to the 2021 charter season.

That was painful

Did anyone hear information on Seaports? I only heard in reference to EIS.

And duration of this phase? "few months" - is that what other heard?

Yeah - kills the 1 week vacations for sure