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Re: BVI HSA Testing Delays attributed to new system implementation
[Re: ecm56]
#251858
04/02/2021 09:31 PM
04/02/2021 09:31 PM
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,657 Memphis, BVI, CT
RatmansWife
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,657
Memphis, BVI, CT
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Perhaps a bigger issue is exit testing. The US requires a test within 3 days. If it takes the BVI two days to process a test, there is little margin for error time wise. Plus, how far in advance can you sign up for that test? What if all the testing slots are taken?
Now they are saying 50 ferry passengers, which doesn't leave many slots for airport arrivals. I would still like to come, but the obstacles only grow.
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Re: BVI HSA Testing Delays attributed to new system implementation
[Re: RatmansWife]
#251888
04/03/2021 10:42 AM
04/03/2021 10:42 AM
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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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Not sure the number of ferry arrivals has anything to do with the airport arrivals. In any event there are so many issues with BVI travel it just seems like the unknown will stop most folks from coming. They have to start allowing vaccinated folks to come and go without tests or other issues.
tpcook
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Re: BVI HSA Testing Delays attributed to new system implementation
[Re: ecm56]
#251903
04/03/2021 01:52 PM
04/03/2021 01:52 PM
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 143 Folsom Lake, CA
Latadjust
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 143
Folsom Lake, CA
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Well, they could cut down the number of tests needed by up to 67% if they mirror CDC guidelines and require a negative test prior to arrival w/ proof of vaccine and then just test departures.
Last edited by Latadjust; 04/03/2021 01:53 PM.
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Re: BVI HSA Testing Delays attributed to new system implementation
[Re: ecm56]
#251921
04/03/2021 07:54 PM
04/03/2021 07:54 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’m actually more concerned with them locking down again than dropping their protocols. From what I glean they’ve only vaccinated 500 more people in the last 3 or so weeks for a total of about 7500. Couple that with the rise from zero to 13 cases, it’s a little concerning. I’d say trip insurance would be in order just in case.
I don’t see the reasoning with the program going so slowly that they don’t go ahead and give the second dose to those who want it now when many are hesitating. Then perhaps if cases rise more people will want to take the jab and those having had one dose and are now due for a second will be out of the way. I know they kicked it out to 12 weeks in hopes of getting more vaccinated. I’m not sure if astraZenica is normally a month between or 8 weeks.
Anyway the stuff doesn’t do any good in vials.
Last edited by Will_L; 04/03/2021 07:55 PM.
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Re: BVI HSA Testing Delays attributed to new system implementation
[Re: Will_L]
#251944
04/04/2021 02:49 AM
04/04/2021 02:49 AM
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Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4,000 U.K. and Spain
Jeannius
Traveler
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Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4,000
U.K. and Spain
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I know they kicked it out to 12 weeks in hopes of getting more vaccinated. I’m not sure if astraZenica is normally a month between or 8 weeks.
Anyway the stuff doesn’t do any good in vials.
Will... The original guidance on Astra was 4 weeks but trials here in the UK showed that increasing the period between the doses improved overall effectiveness. Doses of both Astra Zenica and Pfizer, the two in use here, are both given at 11-12 weeks interval on the basis that most of the protection comes from the first dose so, with limited supplies, it is better to get a single dose into more people than two doses into fewer people.
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Re: BVI HSA Testing Delays attributed to new system implementation
[Re: Jeannius]
#251959
04/04/2021 09:07 AM
04/04/2021 09:07 AM
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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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Hi Mike, That makes sense. Indeed these vaccines have proven to be so effective that I wondered in the states if they shouldn’t push out the second dose so they could get more of the high risk pool covered quickly ie “us old people” dang that’s hard to say They didn’t do it although I heard some docs advocating it. Now I think the problem here will likely be the same situation in the bvi. There will be a lot of vaccine but not much demand. I didn’t realize they had better outcomes waiting longer for second dose. I just hate to see a system set up and no business. . I think the U.K. like our experience had enough pain that a most of those in vulnerable groups were only too happy to get the jab. I hope that happens in the bvi without the deaths elsewhere, but does not look like it currently.
Last edited by Will_L; 04/04/2021 11:35 AM.
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Re: BVI HSA Testing Delays attributed to new system implementation
[Re: bailau]
#252001
04/04/2021 01:13 PM
04/04/2021 01:13 PM
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,657 Memphis, BVI, CT
RatmansWife
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,657
Memphis, BVI, CT
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Has anybody used the concierge Covid testing service down there from a boat? Did you hit the lottery?
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Re: BVI HSA Testing Delays attributed to new system implementation
[Re: macaroni]
#252054
04/05/2021 09:04 AM
04/05/2021 09:04 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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We go for our return test today....will be happy with 48 hours...I wonder if they give priority to those so tourists can make their flights.....will let you know. We had friends test last Wednesday 10:30am, results came 38 hours later at 12:30am Friday.
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Re: BVI HSA Testing Delays attributed to new system implementation
[Re: RatmansWife]
#252055
04/05/2021 09:05 AM
04/05/2021 09:05 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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Sorry to hear you had to go through that. First I've heard of increasing the exit test fee. A most curious tourism strategy: increase the length of quarantine, fees, transport costs and administrative hassles. I think there's an extra fee on JVD and VG. Still $70 on Tortola.
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Re: BVI HSA Testing Delays attributed to new system implementation
[Re: RatmansWife]
#252068
04/05/2021 10:17 AM
04/05/2021 10:17 AM
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 986 Northern Virginia
ecm56
OP
Traveler
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OP
Traveler
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 986
Northern Virginia
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The response I got from Deputy Governor David Archer and Mr. Jevaughn Parsons, in charge of Taxi and Livery, was that the published Taxi Tariff was applicable for land transport and boat transport would be determined prior to implementation which they said would be April 24. I was told the rates published here: https://www.bvitourism.com/taxis are current but may be revised in the future.
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Re: BVI HSA Testing Delays attributed to new system implementation
[Re: MKGrey]
#252459
04/09/2021 01:59 PM
04/09/2021 01:59 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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Thank you, catman, for your post. We are currently scheduled 5/29-6/8, and appreciate all the feedback from those that have recently gone. I am hopeful that the delay in testing results has truly been solved. It sounds like on a 9 day trip, you only had 3 that were out of quarantine (57 hours after day 4 test). Even on a two week charter, nearly half of the trip would be spent in quarantine.
How long did it take for you to get your test results for your return trip to the US? What day, and at what location, did you schedule your test for? we recently had guests take their travel test on a Wednesday @ 10:30 and received the results Friday @ 12:30am for their noon departure.
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Re: BVI HSA Testing Delays attributed to new system implementation
[Re: bailau]
#252505
04/10/2021 08:20 AM
04/10/2021 08:20 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,683 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,683
Central Florida!
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To me, it would seem logical to do away with the extra testing, if one is fully vaccinated. But to expect things to be logical, I guess is expecting too much?
Carol Hill
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Re: BVI HSA Testing Delays attributed to new system implementation
[Re: Carol_Hill]
#252514
04/10/2021 08:52 AM
04/10/2021 08:52 AM
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Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 1,149
MIDiver
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 1,149
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bailau - the group in question was not fully vaccinated, so they were still at risk of contracting the virus. With packed planes and airports (especially STT!!), travel seems the logical place the virus might be contracted, hence the negative results on arrival and positive on day 4. Most false positives are tied to rapid tests not full PCR (at least my experience here with friends and associates) and BVI is doing full PCR testing. When we visited last month we went in with eyes wide open, knowing all the potential risks, including possible Q and inability to return back to US if, somehow, we contracted COVID there. We should be fully vaccinated before our return trip mid June, and while modified restrictions for fully vaccinated travelers would be welcome, we're not counting on it and again will insure for, and plan for, the risks.
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Re: BVI HSA Testing Delays attributed to new system implementation
[Re: ecm56]
#252522
04/10/2021 09:21 AM
04/10/2021 09:21 AM
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Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 833 Houston, Texas
louismcc
Traveler
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Traveler
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Posts: 833
Houston, Texas
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Feel sorry for the group and certainly hope we don't encounter similar problems in July (we'll be full vaccinated by then) but this is the exact reason the BVI has the day 4 test. If they hadn't been tested, and assuming it wasn't a false positive, they would have spent the last few days of the trip as virus spreaders to an unprotected population.
Louis from Houston
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Re: BVI HSA Testing Delays attributed to new system implementation
[Re: ecm56]
#252525
04/10/2021 09:35 AM
04/10/2021 09:35 AM
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,657 Memphis, BVI, CT
RatmansWife
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,657
Memphis, BVI, CT
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So much depends on one's circumstances. If you are staying in your own home, then extra quarantine is not a cost issue. We have worldwide health insurance and MedJet Assist, so that covers medical treatment and/or evacuation.
Having followed this saga on FB, it seems the biggest issue is how they were treated by the government. At a minimum, there should be a second test to confirm positive cases. Unfortunately, the reality doesn't always live up to the BVI Love hype. Visitors also need to acknowledge that they can be the tiny percentage of those for whom things go wrong with regard to Covid.
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Re: BVI HSA Testing Delays attributed to new system implementation
[Re: ecm56]
#252535
04/10/2021 10:57 AM
04/10/2021 10:57 AM
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 594 Michigan
IWIWSE
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 594
Michigan
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This conversation has hit the nail on the head
As background, my wife and I both had Covid at Christmas Nothing worse than a bad cold and, by the grace of God, we didn't spread it to anyone else. We consider ourselves fortunate We both got tested. I tested positive and she tested negative. Of the tests that I have 1st hand knowledge (2), 50% were wrong
The plan was for us to join another couple in April for 3 weeks, land based, in Virgin Gorda To get there and back involved a total of 16 tests, 4 tests / person. Ignoring the initial tests for the other couple, it leaves 14 tests that all need to be negative or our vacation is a hot mess. The obsessive planning, practice packing to get everything into carry-ons, making a new playlist, all the other stupid stuff that was part of previous trips is replaced with concerns about tests results, something I have no control over
For the people of the BVIs, I hold no hard feelings. Only hope and best wishes. I haven't seen anybody that's doing things that much better, certainly not enough to be pointing fingers, but that's why we canceled our April trip. We will be rescheduling as soon as possible
Looking forward to hearing of all your wonderful trips and vacationing vicariously
Mike
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Re: BVI HSA Testing Delays attributed to new system implementation
[Re: ecm56]
#252546
04/10/2021 02:02 PM
04/10/2021 02:02 PM
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Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 1,357 Washington DC
bailau
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 1,357
Washington DC
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From what I have heard, if anyone in the charter party tests positive the boat must go to a quarantine dock. I checked and they said most likely you will be required to go back to the dock...i figured you would be safer to everyone else at a quarantine spot on the water. You then can move to an approved villa. There is a 2nd case now so expect this publicity to get larger. No good answers here and certainly wouldn't attempt if I didn't have a credit that I had to use
Last edited by bailau; 04/10/2021 02:09 PM.
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Re: BVI HSA Testing Delays attributed to new system implementation
[Re: Zanshin]
#252659
04/12/2021 01:02 PM
04/12/2021 01:02 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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I just read that the BVI have received 34,000 doses (with a population of ~30,000) but they have only administered 8,500 of them and there is a danger of them expiring soon. This is not a distribution issue, but it seems that the belongers are wary of vaccination. With worldwide supplies of vaccine being so low it is a shame to see this potential waste. I can only shake my head, instead they are blaming their new "more efficient" system for testing delays, and discussions about reducing the 6ft distancing to 3ft so that the schools can reopen... St, Kitts and Grenada are looking to make vaccination mandatory.
I just read that the BVI have received 34,000 doses (with a population of ~30,000) but they have only administered 8,500 of them and there is a danger of them expiring soon. This is not a distribution issue, but it seems that the belongers are wary of vaccination. With worldwide supplies of vaccine being so low it is a shame to see this potential waste. I can only shake my head, instead they are blaming their new "more efficient" system for testing delays, and discussions about reducing the 6ft distancing to 3ft so that the schools can reopen... St, Kitts and Grenada are looking to make vaccination mandatory.
The government has already stated they will be returning some doses to the UK and Dominica if more people don't decide to be vaccinated. At this point, I'd say 10,000 people is an aggressive goal for the BVI so 14,000 doses can be returned/redistributed.
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Re: BVI HSA Testing Delays attributed to new system implementation
[Re: bailau]
#252664
04/12/2021 01:36 PM
04/12/2021 01:36 PM
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Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 4,043 Buffalo, NY
LauraTheTshirtGal
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 4,043
Buffalo, NY
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The person on the trip I mentioned above who was positive was retested in the BVIs and was negative. Given the Day 0 test was negative and they were negative coming down I think this can be chalked up to a false positive.
Ironically the social media site this was posted on (BVI Alive) which is moderated by charter brokers and other conflicted parties took the post down.
I am hopeful that enough publicity will be generated here that the BVI government will make provisions for an immediate Day 4 test retake if you are fully vaccinated (and recognize this group only had 1 of 2) and you test positive on Day 4 after testing negative coming down and Day 0... Right before it got taken down the original poster stated that even though the test ultimately came back as a false positive by that time the entire trip was ruined and unsalvageable so just an FYI.
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