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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: 1,687 Memphis, BVI, CT
RatmansWife
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,687
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: 4,275 Vero Beach, Fl and South Sound...
tpcook
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 4,275
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: 146 Folsom Lake, CA
Latadjust
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 146
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: 4,009 U.K. and Spain
Jeannius
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4,009
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: 1,687 Memphis, BVI, CT
RatmansWife
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,687
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: 83,103 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,103
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: 1,175
MIDiver
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 1,175
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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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