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Re: BVI border is opening up [Re: sleepychef] #232454
08/17/2020 09:52 AM
08/17/2020 09:52 AM
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 3,359
Cane Garden Bay, Tortola
JasonHelmbrecht Offline
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JasonHelmbrecht  Offline
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Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 3,359
Cane Garden Bay, Tortola
Originally Posted by sleepychef
Nothing changed, they always said the charges would begin on 1st October. The press conference was not very clear even the gazette says something different.

Nothing has changed for Belongers. Previously, they said work permit holders would be responsible for the full cost of security at $6048. It's mentioned again in this morning's article.


JasonHelmbrecht
Coconut Breeze Villas
Cane Garden Bay
reservations@coconutbreezevillas.com
www.coconutbreezevillas.com
BVI Sponsors
Re: BVI border is opening up [Re: tpcook] #232455
08/17/2020 10:08 AM
08/17/2020 10:08 AM
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,647
Memphis, BVI, CT
R
RatmansWife Offline
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RatmansWife  Offline
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,647
Memphis, BVI, CT
And things are subject to change. If lots of property owners say they're coming down in September, and the government realizes what it will cost to put them in hotels and feed them for two weeks, they may reconsider. I also suspect priority will be established, especially if the number who apply to return is large.

They are reportedly look at technology as well - like an app which monitors compliance with quarantine at home. Malcolm, have you got an iPhone?

I'm not optimistic for tourism.

Re: BVI border is opening up [Re: tpcook] #232456
08/17/2020 10:10 AM
08/17/2020 10:10 AM
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 583
Oak Park, IL
T
TomGarvey Offline
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Oak Park, IL

Last edited by TomGarvey; 08/17/2020 10:12 AM.

Tom Garvey
Re: BVI border is opening up [Re: tpcook] #232457
08/17/2020 10:26 AM
08/17/2020 10:26 AM
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 4,266
Vero Beach, Fl and South Sound...
tpcook Offline OP
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tpcook  Offline OP
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Posts: 4,266
Vero Beach, Fl and South Sound...
Frankly I cannot figure out who can come in and who will be quarantined and what the cost is. And how do you get there. Only 2 airlines flying in form SJU. Do you have to quarantine in PR if you change flights in PR


tpcook
Re: BVI border is opening up [Re: RatmansWife] #232458
08/17/2020 10:28 AM
08/17/2020 10:28 AM
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 3,359
Cane Garden Bay, Tortola
JasonHelmbrecht Offline
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JasonHelmbrecht  Offline
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Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 3,359
Cane Garden Bay, Tortola
Originally Posted by RatmansWife
They are reportedly look at technology as well - like an app which monitors compliance with quarantine at home. Malcolm, have you got an iPhone?

When our property was inspected to house quarantine returnees, the representative from the Health Ministry mentioned they were considering implementing gps bracelets to save on security costs. Haven't heard anything since but it is an option being considered.


JasonHelmbrecht
Coconut Breeze Villas
Cane Garden Bay
reservations@coconutbreezevillas.com
www.coconutbreezevillas.com
Re: BVI border is opening up [Re: tpcook] #232459
08/17/2020 10:29 AM
08/17/2020 10:29 AM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,148
road town
sleepychef Offline
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sleepychef  Offline
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Posts: 1,148
road town
Nothing has changed since the Press conference at no time did they say people would be paying for Government facility quarantine during September only for security for private residences.

They state quite clearly that the costs start on October 1st and people can return from September 1st

Re: BVI border is opening up [Re: sleepychef] #232461
08/17/2020 10:37 AM
08/17/2020 10:37 AM
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 3,359
Cane Garden Bay, Tortola
JasonHelmbrecht Offline
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JasonHelmbrecht  Offline
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Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 3,359
Cane Garden Bay, Tortola
Originally Posted by sleepychef
Nothing has changed since the Press conference at no time did they say people would be paying for Government facility quarantine during September only for security for private residences.

They state quite clearly that the costs start on October 1st and people can return from September 1st

Agreed, it was always free for BVI Nationals. I was referring the previous policy in which they stated ex-pats were responsible for their quarantine cost. In the latest press conference, they didn't say they were reversing this cost. They just said it was changing October 1.
12 August info


JasonHelmbrecht
Coconut Breeze Villas
Cane Garden Bay
reservations@coconutbreezevillas.com
www.coconutbreezevillas.com
Re: BVI border is opening up [Re: tpcook] #232463
08/17/2020 10:42 AM
08/17/2020 10:42 AM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,148
road town
sleepychef Offline
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sleepychef  Offline
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Posts: 1,148
road town
The previous policy did not allow anybody else in the territory except BVI nationals , everything changed at the press conference nothing has changed since then.

Re: BVI border is opening up [Re: tpcook] #232465
08/17/2020 10:57 AM
08/17/2020 10:57 AM
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 168
The Beautiful BVI
B
Brent Offline
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Brent  Offline
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Posts: 168
The Beautiful BVI
Ahoy Captains,

It looks like the BVI Gov is preparing for the logistics of increased testing and treatment possibly related to tourism soon -
https://bvinews.com/bvihsas-lab-infrastructure-being-upgraded-to-meet-covid-demands/
http://www.virginislandsnewsonline....als-complete-14-day-mandatory-quarantine
And testing internationally continues to improve with over 2 months before the start of the BVI charter season -
https://www.cnbc.com/2020/08/17/dr-scott-gottlieb-touts-yale-new-saliva-based-coronavirus-test.html

Fair Winds, Brent from The Captains Compass

Re: BVI border is opening up [Re: sleepychef] #232467
08/17/2020 11:06 AM
08/17/2020 11:06 AM
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 583
Oak Park, IL
T
TomGarvey Offline
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TomGarvey  Offline
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 583
Oak Park, IL
Got it, thanks for the clarification.


Tom Garvey
Re: BVI border is opening up [Re: tpcook] #232469
08/17/2020 11:28 AM
08/17/2020 11:28 AM
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 503
ski2play Offline
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ski2play  Offline
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Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 503
Jason or Mal, can you point me to where it indicates that Land Hold Licenses can enter the BVI in September?

How do we apply to get our villa approved?

So many questions without clear cut answers.

Thanks!

Re: BVI border is opening up [Re: tpcook] #232471
08/17/2020 12:04 PM
08/17/2020 12:04 PM
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 17,029
Tortola/ Sonoma, California
Manpot Offline
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Manpot  Offline
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 17,029
Tortola/ Sonoma, California
It was forwarded to me by Dennis The Sugar Mill but I cant get it to post here..it should be on the Gov website..three pages long. From what I understand you have to stay in an approved location ( hotel) like The Sugar Mill. Seems the rate drops from $3,500 to $2,500 in October..still trying to find out more. Jason may well be better informed..

Re: BVI border is opening up [Re: tpcook] #232473
08/17/2020 12:11 PM
08/17/2020 12:11 PM
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,647
Memphis, BVI, CT
R
RatmansWife Offline
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Posts: 1,647
Memphis, BVI, CT
Sky2Play, haven't seen anything yet about getting properties approved. In phase one they approved properties of those quarantining at home, but then stopped that program when people cheated and snuck out.

They do say all categories are eligible for free government quarantine in September. Maybe the government will pay for Jason to host Mal for a couple weeks!

Re: BVI border is opening up [Re: ski2play] #232478
08/17/2020 12:32 PM
08/17/2020 12:32 PM
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 3,359
Cane Garden Bay, Tortola
JasonHelmbrecht Offline
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JasonHelmbrecht  Offline
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Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 3,359
Cane Garden Bay, Tortola
Originally Posted by ski2play
Jason or Mal, can you point me to where it indicates that Land Hold Licenses can enter the BVI in September?

How do we apply to get our villa approved?

So many questions without clear cut answers.

Thanks!

Sleepychef posted it near the top but here is the link to FB.

I think when you fill out the gvot application online, you can specify where you want to quarantine. Not sure what they will say about JVD since I'm not sure if they have security officers there.


JasonHelmbrecht
Coconut Breeze Villas
Cane Garden Bay
reservations@coconutbreezevillas.com
www.coconutbreezevillas.com
Re: BVI border is opening up [Re: tpcook] #232497
08/17/2020 02:24 PM
08/17/2020 02:24 PM
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 503
ski2play Offline
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ski2play  Offline
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Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 503
Thanks Jason, Mal, and Ratman's wife!

I am hoping they will pay Jason to quarantine us too!

Re: BVI border is opening up [Re: tpcook] #232579
08/19/2020 03:52 PM
08/19/2020 03:52 PM
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 979
Northern Virginia
ecm56 Offline
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ecm56  Offline
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 979
Northern Virginia
I am expecting some kind of news today since the BVI "Re-Entry Website" is Temporarily Unavailable due to being updated.






Attached Files 117773005_10157885328052945_1074134766878146879_o.jpg
Last edited by ecm56; 08/19/2020 03:54 PM.
Re: BVI border is opening up [Re: tpcook] #232580
08/19/2020 03:57 PM
08/19/2020 03:57 PM
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 979
Northern Virginia
ecm56 Offline
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ecm56  Offline
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 979
Northern Virginia
Press Release 18 August

Statement from Premier

Update on Cost Sharing of quarantine costs

I'm not very good at posting over here - it's been too long. Wanted to make sure you saw this (especially Mal). This is the latest I have seen.

Last edited by ecm56; 08/19/2020 04:03 PM. Reason: Added link to Premier's statement and Minister's statement
Re: BVI border is opening up [Re: ecm56] #232585
08/19/2020 04:22 PM
08/19/2020 04:22 PM
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 17,029
Tortola/ Sonoma, California
Manpot Offline
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Manpot  Offline
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 17,029
Tortola/ Sonoma, California
Classic..talk about cliches! So...Oct 1 for $2,500 is a very longshot possibilty for us..nothing mentioned about tourists , the Online Regatta etc. I really dont see spending our time down the road from our own house that we have paid $$$ for and $$$ to the Gov in taxes and sales $$. I am hoping they will come up with a real plan..AND SOON!

Re: BVI border is opening up [Re: ecm56] #232587
08/19/2020 04:32 PM
08/19/2020 04:32 PM
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,003
S
sail445 Offline
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sail445  Offline
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,003
How kind of the government to only charge a $3,500 fee if you want to quarantine yourself or family in your home.

Re: BVI border is opening up [Re: tpcook] #232595
08/19/2020 08:08 PM
08/19/2020 08:08 PM
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 979
Northern Virginia
ecm56 Offline
Traveler
ecm56  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 979
Northern Virginia
The BVI Re-Entry Website is back up. I am not sure what, if anything, has changed as I had not looked carefully at the previous site.

The site URL is: https://www.bvitravel.vg/

Re: BVI border is opening up [Re: tpcook] #232603
08/19/2020 08:38 PM
08/19/2020 08:38 PM
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,676
An island state of mind
tradewinds Online content
Traveler
tradewinds  Online Content
Traveler
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,676
An island state of mind
Listening to the Government update right now. Another case was detected today. The person hadn't left or entered the Territory. The apartment building the person stayed in is under quarantine and they apparently went to some bars & restaurants.

Re: BVI border is opening up [Re: tpcook] #232607
08/20/2020 07:12 AM
08/20/2020 07:12 AM
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 6,994
GA/NC
GeorgeC1 Online content
Traveler
GeorgeC1  Online Content
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 6,994
GA/NC
The BVI is not in total isolation. I sail at night more than most on trips. The amount of small boat traffic, often without lights between the USVI and the BVI after dark is surprising.
G

Re: BVI border is opening up [Re: tpcook] #232634
08/20/2020 12:32 PM
08/20/2020 12:32 PM
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 5,861
Bradenton, FL
Winterstale Offline
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Winterstale  Offline
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 5,861
Bradenton, FL
I am really starting to doubt we will get back in November frown


[Linked Image]

Re: BVI border is opening up [Re: tpcook] #232635
08/20/2020 12:52 PM
08/20/2020 12:52 PM
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 4,266
Vero Beach, Fl and South Sound...
tpcook Offline OP
Traveler
tpcook  Offline OP
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Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 4,266
Vero Beach, Fl and South Sound...
iIf the BVI does not open up by November, then the 2020/2021 tourist season is over. Folks decide to go on vacation many months before they go. I think they are waiting for the magic pill, but it is not available yet. They could test and not quarantine. That is the only answer.


tpcook
Re: BVI border is opening up [Re: tpcook] #232638
08/20/2020 01:07 PM
08/20/2020 01:07 PM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,148
road town
sleepychef Offline
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sleepychef  Offline
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,148
road town
BVI Spring Regatta is being mentioned for the first time for end of October???

Re: BVI border is opening up [Re: tpcook] #232640
08/20/2020 01:19 PM
08/20/2020 01:19 PM
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 5,861
Bradenton, FL
Winterstale Offline
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Winterstale  Offline
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 5,861
Bradenton, FL
Oh wow - well that sounds a little more hopeful, Peter!!
I guess I shouldn’t lose all hope just yet!


[Linked Image]

Re: BVI border is opening up [Re: tpcook] #232650
08/20/2020 05:37 PM
08/20/2020 05:37 PM
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 306
Tustin CA
d_fish Offline
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d_fish  Offline
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Posts: 306
Tustin CA
I wonder if Voyage Charters knows something we do not.

I received both a phone call and an email today from Voyage regarding booking a charter departing November 1, 2020.

Re: BVI border is opening up [Re: tradewinds] #232651
08/20/2020 05:55 PM
08/20/2020 05:55 PM
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 306
Tustin CA
d_fish Offline
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d_fish  Offline
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Posts: 306
Tustin CA
Originally Posted by tradewinds
Listening to the Government update right now. Another case was detected today. The person hadn't left or entered the Territory. The apartment building the person stayed in is under quarantine and they apparently went to some bars & restaurants.


This has me wondering... this scenario sounds like NZ who recently discovered a few new cases after 100+ of days without any new cases. The people affected did not travel outside the country and authorities are attempting to determine how they become infected. They are looking at the cold storage facility that one of the persons works at. Could the virus become dormant if you will, in cold temperatures during food transportation, then reactive?

Or could the virus already be circulating everywhere and is impossible to contain because it has already infiltrated the globe? And in this case in the Territory, was it was discovered through testing because someone was sick enough to warrant a test? How many cases lurking with minor symptoms?

So I guess my point is, there is so much we do not understand, but it seems hiding from the virus aka lockdowns do not work. It appears the pesky virus will continue to spread regardless. Best course of action is personal prevention though hygiene, distancing and masks.

Re: BVI border is opening up [Re: d_fish] #232652
08/20/2020 06:01 PM
08/20/2020 06:01 PM
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 51
Gainesville
B
Bo Scott Offline
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Bo Scott  Offline
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Gainesville
What did they say, we are schedule the last week in October.

Re: BVI border is opening up [Re: tpcook] #232664
08/20/2020 10:38 PM
08/20/2020 10:38 PM
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,901
Maine
Breeze Offline
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Breeze  Offline
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Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,901
Maine
Complaining about how other nations and governments fight this pandemic with and for their citizens doesn't make a lick of sense when 50 states and half a dozen territories of the USA can't agree on what is best.

Kind of behooves us to remember that our close neighbors to the north aren't in any hurry to throw open their gates, either. Heck, even our own Caribbean territories are cranky about our visiting right now..

When it comes to the tourism economy, there are many, many spots right here in the contiguous 48 that do truly need a whole lotta help.

If we could help our US selves get over this misery, we'd be of a lot more worth to our worldwide neighbors and friends.

Re: BVI border is opening up [Re: tpcook] #232711
08/21/2020 05:15 PM
08/21/2020 05:15 PM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,148
road town
sleepychef Offline
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sleepychef  Offline
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Posts: 1,148
road town
This is not NZ d-Fish it is confirmed a guy from St Thomas entered illegally , the guy who is in quarantine and number 12 has now made cases jump to at least another 9 so BVI at 21 and has community spread , we will wait till tonight to see what measures they take to contain it, curfew probably to stop the spread at the Bars/Clubs where it came from. Hopefully no lockdown but its storm season anyway so let get comfy for a couple of weeks! Everyone needs to go to Worldwide Travel forum and join in on the game.

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