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Re: Protocols Delayed!!!
[Re: bagsarepacked]
#237679
10/22/2020 03:45 PM
10/22/2020 03:45 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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George - I listened to almost the whole broadcast while working and I walked away with that same feeling. There was multiple mentions of checks and relief money being given out in the next few days /next week. Perhaps the delay of the meeting and the timing of those checks may be to soften the blow to locals who want tourists back and know a long quarantine could be a deal breaker for many.
It certainly did NOT sound like USVI day trippers will be back any time soon.
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Re: Protocols Delayed!!!
[Re: bagsarepacked]
#237695
10/22/2020 05:35 PM
10/22/2020 05:35 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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Jason, Yes, I caught the comment that things will not be the way they were for a while, and than the slight back track with for a few months added. Was interesting to listen to everyone's comments.....and I found it super funny that they kept showing the picture of the topless woman on the wall behind them. technically, her hands covered most of her nipples...
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Re: Protocols Delayed!!!
[Re: bagsarepacked]
#237696
10/22/2020 05:48 PM
10/22/2020 05:48 PM
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Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 4,266 Vero Beach, Fl and South Sound...
tpcook
OP
Traveler
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OP
Traveler
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 4,266
Vero Beach, Fl and South Sound...
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These checks were to have been distributed a couple of weeks ago. There are to small business companies in the BVI and also to locals who are having a hard time.I really feel for the locals who are stuck with no money and no source of income for a long time. All of this will be a stain on the BVI for several years.
tpcook
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Re: Protocols Delayed!!!
[Re: bagsarepacked]
#237700
10/22/2020 06:15 PM
10/22/2020 06:15 PM
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,003
sail445
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,003
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Jason, Yes, I caught the comment that things will not be the way they were for a while, and than the slight back track with for a few months added. Was interesting to listen to everyone's comments.....and I found it super funny that they kept showing the picture of the topless woman on the wall behind them. The picture on the wall reflects their scope of knowledge.
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Re: Protocols Delayed!!!
[Re: tpcook]
#237738
10/23/2020 09:40 AM
10/23/2020 09:40 AM
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 6,993 GA/NC
GeorgeC1
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 6,993
GA/NC
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https://bvinews.com/visitor-4-day-q...Sef_TLsLdN6zZQ-GxZlQxsTfk3SOgg3DxJwPAjQwYou are correct on people feeling deceived. I moved two charters to Dec for friends plus my charter. The other two charters have expressed that they will not go back again if their trips are cancelled. The BVI government should have announced that they will have a limited tourist reopening 1 Dec with a quarantine period required. That would have been honest and upfront. George CYOA is going to become a very successful charter company!
Last edited by GeorgeC1; 10/23/2020 09:45 AM.
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Re: Protocols Delayed!!!
[Re: JasonHelmbrecht]
#237739
10/23/2020 09:46 AM
10/23/2020 09:46 AM
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,451 Finger Lake Region
crmoores
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,451
Finger Lake Region
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George - I listened to almost the whole broadcast while working and I walked away with that same feeling. There was multiple mentions of checks and relief money being given out in the next few days /next week. Perhaps the delay of the meeting and the timing of those checks may be to soften the blow to locals who want tourists back and know a long quarantine could be a deal breaker for many.
It certainly did NOT sound like USVI day trippers will be back any time soon. What was said about that?
"Travel changes you. As you move through this life and this world you change things slightly, you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life — and travel — leaves marks on you.” -Anthony Bourdain
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Re: Protocols Delayed!!!
[Re: crmoores]
#237750
10/23/2020 10:51 AM
10/23/2020 10:51 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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George - I listened to almost the whole broadcast while working and I walked away with that same feeling. There was multiple mentions of checks and relief money being given out in the next few days /next week. Perhaps the delay of the meeting and the timing of those checks may be to soften the blow to locals who want tourists back and know a long quarantine could be a deal breaker for many.
It certainly did NOT sound like USVI day trippers will be back any time soon. What was said about that? Nothing specifically about day charters but they continue to talk about testing and possible quarantine. If there's a test required, that will make entry very difficult for a day charter guest who is only in the BVI waters for 6 hours. If there's a quarantine, it obviously doesn't make any sense.
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Re: Protocols Delayed!!!
[Re: RandyA92]
#237765
10/23/2020 12:59 PM
10/23/2020 12:59 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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Considering you have to have a negative test to get to the USVIs, why would they not accept day trippers who would still have such paperwork as they produced at the airport?? Because the USVI rates seem to spike after they open for tourists and the BVI protocols will not be as easy as the USVI.
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Re: Protocols Delayed!!!
[Re: JasonHelmbrecht]
#237797
10/23/2020 04:04 PM
10/23/2020 04:04 PM
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 6,993 GA/NC
GeorgeC1
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 6,993
GA/NC
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Just to be clear on the USVI. The spike in cases occurred after the first opening and I don’t think it was tourist related. They however essentially opened with no testing ect. The reopening required testing and they have since had excellent results. New cases have been at zero for many days at a time and currently there are 20 active cases in the entire USVI.
USVI requirements All travelers aged five years or older must provide proof of a negative result from a COVID-19 antigen (molecular/PCR/rapid) test taken within five days of departure or provide positive results of a COVID-19 antibody test taken within the four months prior to travel. Travelers are required to produce both their original test results and the travel certificate processed through the online portal
Last edited by GeorgeC1; 10/23/2020 04:09 PM.
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Re: Protocols Delayed!!!
[Re: GeorgeC1]
#237799
10/23/2020 04:08 PM
10/23/2020 04:08 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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Just to be clear on the USVI. The spike in cases occurred after the first opening and I don’t think it was tourist related. They essentially opened with no testing ect. The reopening required limited testing and they have since had excellent results. New cases have been at zero for many days at a time. I agree that numbers are pretty good but they've recorded 18 new cases in the last 10 days. Based on population, that would be like BVI getting 6 in 10 days. Based on past reactions, I think that would result in borders closing again and a severe curfew. We've learned a lot here but the knee jerk reactions are still pretty strong.
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Re: Protocols Delayed!!!
[Re: tpcook]
#237813
10/23/2020 06:24 PM
10/23/2020 06:24 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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If the BVI only has 8 ventilators why over the past 8 months didn't they buy some more?
Covid is not going away in the near future, if ever. Why didn't the government move quickly to increase hospitalization capacity so they could handle an outbreak? Instead, the plan is to keep the economy shutdown unless the infections rate is at zero. Even with a 4 day quarantine opening to tourism will result in increased infection. Its unavoidable given the current science. So the BVI opens with a 4 day quarantine 12/1. 12/21 there are 20 confirmed cases. Do they lockdown again? How do tourists get out?
This is just more of the nonsense that has been going on the past 30 years in the BVI. Wasted money on airlines, greenhouses, consultants to expand the runway, power plants, recycling, etc.
The deep pockets of offshore banking and financial services is largely over. Tourism which was the other half of GDP is dead in the water. The BVI politicians refuse to recognize the situation they are in. The recent statement that the budget will be balanced by the end of the year is ludicrous.
Many of us have longed for the BVI of old. The way things are headed with this government we are going to get it soon.
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Re: Protocols Delayed!!!
[Re: NCSailor]
#237817
10/23/2020 07:00 PM
10/23/2020 07:00 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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If the BVI only has 8 ventilators why over the past 8 months didn't they buy some more?
Covid is not going away in the near future, if ever. Why didn't the government move quickly to increase hospitalization capacity so they could handle an outbreak? Instead, the plan is to keep the economy shutdown unless the infections rate is at zero. Even with a 4 day quarantine opening to tourism will result in increased infection. Its unavoidable given the current science. So the BVI opens with a 4 day quarantine 12/1. 12/21 there are 20 confirmed cases. Do they lockdown again? How do tourists get out?
This is just more of the nonsense that has been going on the past 30 years in the BVI. Wasted money on airlines, greenhouses, consultants to expand the runway, power plants, recycling, etc.
The deep pockets of offshore banking and financial services is largely over. Tourism which was the other half of GDP is dead in the water. The BVI politicians refuse to recognize the situation they are in. The recent statement that the budget will be balanced by the end of the year is ludicrous.
Many of us have longed for the BVI of old. The way things are headed with this government we are going to get it soon. I have wondered about the ventilators for a long time. In the JVD meeting that is available to view online, they did mention that there are actually 13-14 ventilators available on Tortola but the 8 they refer to are fully commission and ready to use. I know nothing about hospitals but it sounds like the additional ventilators are here and would have to be setup if needed. I would assume if they use 3 or 4 of the 8 that are commissioned, additional rooms would be prepared to accommodate the extra ventilators that are here and ready to use. Regarding tourist exits, at the end of the current curfew on 5 November, we will have had 36 curfew orders that cover 220 days this year. 30 of those days were 24 hour lockdowns but during all of the curfew orders, visitors and residents were allowed to exit the country. It required coordination if you needed to be on the road during curfew hours but was never prevented. There were flights and then eventually water taxis available. Getting out is relatively easy; no Hotel California here...
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Re: Protocols Delayed!!!
[Re: ecm56]
#237865
10/24/2020 12:20 PM
10/24/2020 12:20 PM
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 283 Miami, FL
Michel_Benarrosh
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 283
Miami, FL
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Hi all...
Just curious: Given the giant mess that is shown by the BVI authorities, WHO in the world feels like chartering in the BVI in December and beyond?? I mean... seriously.. Can you imagine getting sick there and being stuck?
Just sayin'...
Last edited by Michel_Benarrosh; 10/24/2020 12:20 PM.
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Re: Protocols Delayed!!!
[Re: sleepychef]
#237869
10/24/2020 01:00 PM
10/24/2020 01:00 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,472 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,472
Central Florida!
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I don't think that is the issue, actually ENTERING the US. If one tests positive on island, my feeling, without any corroboration, is that this will be communicated to the airline and you won't be able to FLY, even if you were to pass the temperature test.
Carol Hill
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Re: Protocols Delayed!!!
[Re: tpcook]
#237907
10/24/2020 09:47 PM
10/24/2020 09:47 PM
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Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 793 Redmond, WA
MrEZgoin
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 793
Redmond, WA
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Those with property (like a charter boat) in the BVI will go. We have a booking Dec 8th and we will go unless they make it impossible to do so. Certainly willing to jump through a lot of hoops to be on our boat.
M4000 "Lio Kai"
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Re: Protocols Delayed!!!
[Re: tpcook]
#237947
10/25/2020 01:33 PM
10/25/2020 01:33 PM
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,647 Memphis, BVI, CT
RatmansWife
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,647
Memphis, BVI, CT
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Sisterblysse, is this your first trip to the BVI? Even if they gave a time - as in "we'll announce it next Thursday" - it's meaningless. Best to check FB after the fact and see what happened.
And they need to provide ALL the details. Dribbling out length, location and cost of curfew, testing details, arrival protocols, etc. will not cut it.
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Re: Protocols Delayed!!!
[Re: RatmansWife]
#237972
10/25/2020 04:58 PM
10/25/2020 04:58 PM
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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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Sisterblysse, is this your first trip to the BVI? Even if they gave a time - as in "we'll announce it next Thursday" - it's meaningless. Best to check FB after the fact and see what happened.
And they need to provide ALL the details. Dribbling out length, location and cost of curfew, testing details, arrival protocols, etc. will not cut it. hi RatmansWife - not a first timer, I have been a regular visitor and have my boat out there. My December trip has been booked for nearly a year. It will be what it will be but I just want to draw a line under all this now one way or the other and just wondered if someone here has inside intel about a time scheduled for announcement. Checking FB or here frequently in the hopes of news is a real energy drain. This endless speculation is exhausting for all.
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Re: Protocols Delayed!!!
[Re: GeorgiaGirl2]
#237980
10/25/2020 05:33 PM
10/25/2020 05:33 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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I have a question...if they are truly so concerned about COVID...why were they all using the same microphone during the JVD new conference and holding it mere inches from their face as they passed it around. Additionally, the Premiere and the guy next to him in the purple shirt were often sitting side by side and neither was wearing a mask.
So...Is this really about keeping everyone safe? I, personally, don't think so.
Sadly, I have $ tied up in a charter for jan '21 that I do not believe is going to happen.
My opinion (and YES, i know what they say about opinions...) is that life must go on...this virus has a 99% recovery rate..... The problem is the issue isn't the recovery rate. That has always been part of it. The bigger issue is the rate is dependent upon those needing care getting it. That has always been the biggest issue. And just recently in Utah there was a woman who had a heart attack and needed ICU care and was delayed in getting it because the local hospital had no ICU space available due to covid. She ended up getting it but it likely put her in a worse situation. Imagine something like this in the BVI? Dying because of covid but never having had it? THAT is the real issue. 1% fatality rate (and I've heard 2.5% from experts) is still also not anything to dismiss, that's 1 in 200 people. The younger one is, the better those odds become, but even those that get through it can have long term effects. So I'm really not surprised the BVI hasn't made solid plans yet. With the US seeing a huge increase in cases and little being done in many areas to control it and Eurpoe now seeing additional restrictions because they too are seeing increased cases, I'll be surprised if they open in any reasonable way that allows tourists in. I think we're going to see them have restrictions in place that prevent tourists until a vaccine is available and then they'll require anyone coming in to have that as well as a negative test. Just my 2 cents.
Matt
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Re: Protocols Delayed!!!
[Re: GeorgeC1]
#238004
10/25/2020 09:02 PM
10/25/2020 09:02 PM
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 559 Apex, NC
agrimsrud
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 559
Apex, NC
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Vaccine availability for vacationers is probably 18 months away. That assumes they even get a working vaccine which is still very much in doubt. Can the BVI survive that long? ??? You must have some information noone else has. From everything I've seen published the vaccine should be widely available in '21. And you say a working vaccine is still very much in doubt - where does that come from? All of the trials seem to be going pretty well. Source please - I'd like to read about this.
Life's short - sail more!
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Re: Protocols Delayed!!!
[Re: GeorgeC1]
#238006
10/25/2020 10:12 PM
10/25/2020 10:12 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,472 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,472
Central Florida!
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OK, obviously a corona virus vaccine has NOT been in the works for 20 years, since Covid 19 only appeared this year.
Regardless, this has nothing to do with the topic at hand. Will close this one here and wait for the actual protocols to be announced, hopefully soon.
Carol Hill
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