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BVI will go into complete lockdown

Posted By: tpcook

BVI will go into complete lockdown - 03/25/2020 03:41 PM

No one coming in and no one going out. Complete lockdown.
Posted By: Zanshin

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 03/25/2020 03:54 PM

What about cargo (staples such as food)?
Posted By: sleepychef

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 03/25/2020 08:20 PM

Cargo allowed in but no travellers either way.
Posted By: OceanSong

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 03/25/2020 08:57 PM

Have there been any confirmed COVID-19 cases in the BVI yet? I haven't seen any reported.
Posted By: Manpot

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 03/25/2020 09:24 PM

2 Just reported.
Posted By: Brian21097

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 03/25/2020 10:05 PM

Complete lockdown? And for how long?

Seems they couldn't keep that up for too long being a tourism economy.
Posted By: sleepychef

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 03/25/2020 11:53 PM

Just 6 days to begin with but then again it was only 14 days to begin with. Once the navy arrives it will extend to 2 weeks I think. We are not allowed out of the property from Friday 8pm till April 2nd
Posted By: VirginGordaResident

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 03/26/2020 03:34 PM

A curfew went into effect last night. You cannot leave your house from 8pm until 6am. Starting this Friday at 8pm, it is a 24-hour curfew for 6 days. Meaning, no one can leave their homes at all for the next 6 days. And that will probably be more. I think this even means going grocery shopping, but I'm not sure. We are waiting for the Premier to speak today.

Previously, there was already a travel ban in place. And that obviously remains. No one was allowed in by air or sea regardless of if you are a belonger, resident or tourist.
Posted By: Carol_Hill

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 03/26/2020 04:09 PM

Sad times. Keep us advised. Stay safe.
Posted By: Manpot

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 03/26/2020 04:30 PM

We left just in time but worry about our friends and neighbours still there. These are even more extreme rulings than we have here in California. We cn shop from very well equipped stores and get takeout from many restaurants..Please stay safe everyone..if this nightmare dwindles by summer we need a big island party!
Posted By: Zanshin

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 03/26/2020 04:36 PM

How does shopping work? Few households have supplies for 6 days...
Posted By: VirginGordaResident

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 03/26/2020 05:58 PM

I went to the grocery stores here on Virgin Gorda this morning. They were limiting customers into the stores (20 at a time or so) and there were lines outside Bucks, Riteway and SupaValu. We skipped Bucks and Riteway due to the lines and went to Rosie's and SupaValu instead. We found everything we needed and are well stocked. It was busy and there was definitely a sense of urgency, but everyone was respectful and still had the island spirit. "Good morning", "Good afternoons" etc. Plenty of toilet paper and paper towel to go around. And Rosie's had a truck full of groceries ready to be stocked as we were leaving. So far, there is still plenty of food and no one is panicking. At least on Virgin Gorda, cannot speak for Tortola or other islands.

I do not know if grocery stores will be open for this 6-day lock-down. All I have heard so far is it is a "24-hour curfew".

We also have a friend dropping off a case of 6 bottles of wine for us this afternoon. The girlfriend and I will be doing a bit of a wine tasting over the lockdown!

The "14-day travel lockdown" did not apply to Port Purcell and shipping. I do not know the plan for the 6 day lockdown period, however.
Posted By: SusanZ

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 03/26/2020 07:08 PM

Hi.. RTW had a notice up saying that even with a government shutdown they would remain operational. I have been isolating on JVD for a week and am preparing to spend a good 2-3 weeks at home. So far we don't seem to have huge shortages in Tortola except for a few items (fresh ginger roots, garlic).

I think they made the lock down decision pretty quickly (2 cases announced around 2 or 3pm yesterday and then a live announcement about the curfew at 7pm). I understand that HOA is meeting and my guess is there will be more announcement about protocol, etc.
Posted By: sleepychef

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 03/26/2020 11:57 PM

24hr lockdown no shopping after Friday 8pm till 2nd April , RTW is open for essential workers only
Posted By: Sandsailsun

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 03/27/2020 02:09 PM

Originally Posted by Manpot
We left just in time but worry about our friends and neighbours still there. These are even more extreme rulings than we have here in California. We cn shop from very well equipped stores and get takeout from many restaurants..Please stay safe everyone..if this nightmare dwindles by summer we need a big island party!


Thats for sure !!! I fear we are in for a few more months of madness sadly . I would jump for joy if this is over by summer . Sadly Covid isn't scared off by heat like seasonal flu
Posted By: Sandsailsun

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 03/29/2020 10:32 AM

Originally Posted by VirginGordaResident
I went to the grocery stores here on Virgin Gorda this morning. They were limiting customers into the stores (20 at a time or so) and there were lines outside Bucks, Riteway and SupaValu. We skipped Bucks and Riteway due to the lines and went to Rosie's and SupaValu instead. We found everything we needed and are well stocked. It was busy and there was definitely a sense of urgency, but everyone was respectful and still had the island spirit. "Good morning", "Good afternoons" etc. Plenty of toilet paper and paper towel to go around. And Rosie's had a truck full of groceries ready to be stocked as we were leaving. So far, there is still plenty of food and no one is panicking. At least on Virgin Gorda, cannot speak for Tortola or other islands.

I do not know if grocery stores will be open for this 6-day lock-down. All I have heard so far is it is a "24-hour curfew".

We also have a friend dropping off a case of 6 bottles of wine for us this afternoon. The girlfriend and I will be doing a bit of a wine tasting over the lockdown!

The "14-day travel lockdown" did not apply to Port Purcell and shipping. I do not know the plan for the 6 day lockdown period, however.


Not surprised at this....BVI strong ...and always sensible and kind , shortage of ginger not toilet paper ....imagine that !!..enjoy your wine but pace yourself
Posted By: SusanZ

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 03/29/2020 08:55 PM

Ginger MIA, garlic short supply and lemon. At least it makes sense. I went on Thursday and couldn't deal with RTW so I just went to the old big ben's in west end. Everyone -workers and customers -super kind/polite in store.
Posted By: sail445

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 03/29/2020 09:46 PM

Lock down the government and let the businesses take the reins
Posted By: ligot

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 03/30/2020 01:28 PM

I didn't see the answer above but I believe they've now seen 2 cases. I'm REALLY hoping the early lockdowns for people coming in and also islander movement keep that total down.
Posted By: sleepychef

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 03/30/2020 02:42 PM




The BVI government is doing a fantastic job during this time, locked the country down quick, quarantined everyone for 6days to start to slow the spread and yes only2 conformed cases, 1 from Europe 1 from the US.
Posted By: GeorgeC1

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 03/30/2020 03:57 PM

There are a million opinions but I am not sure the lockdown they imposed will be a good long term solution. At some point they will have to reopen the country. The virus is not going away. I think current medical opinion is try and keep the number of cases manageable while herd immunity builds up and it essentially becomes another flu variation. When they do reopen I suspect they will get a spike in cases. The quick testing options coming out might mitigate this to a extent. I don’t see that they can isolate until a vaccine is available.
Posted By: RatmansWife

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 03/30/2020 04:05 PM

George, I suspect the policy recognizes that the BVI healthcare system is inadequate in the best of times. With additional time perhaps they can ramp up the supplies, equipment and staff to cope with the inevitable increase in cases.

Bank of Asia is providing supplies and they've asked for Cuban medical staff. When the new clinic opened on Virgin Gorda, the government couldn't afford to equip it, so I assume there is still a lack of ventilators and other equipment.
Posted By: JasonHelmbrecht

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 03/30/2020 07:45 PM

3rd case confirmed today. He was a traveler from an infected country.
Posted By: sleepychef

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 03/30/2020 07:48 PM

Herd immunity only works when someone in the herd has immunity there is no immunity to this Corona Virus as its genetics come from animals we have no immunity thats why it is spreading so fast.

The government has caught it in time unlike other countries that now have it out of control.

The BVI can wait till the curve flattens in the rest of the world what it can not do it have a spike which is happening in most countries.

Stay safe.
Posted By: Tanley

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 03/30/2020 10:07 PM

"Herd immunity only works when someone in the herd has immunity there is no immunity to this Corona Virus as its genetics come from animals we have no immunity thats why it is spreading so fast."

Those who've been infected with COVID-19 and have recovered, exhibit antibodies specific to the strain they were exposed to. It's possible that those antibodies may not protect against all future strains of the virus (or persist against that specific antigen in perpetuity), but to claim there is no immunity to the virus is not accurate. Researchers are currently harvesting plasma from individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 to use as models for vaccines. Herd Immunity refers to a critical mass of a population (often cited in literature as 60% to 65% of a population) who have either developed or have been administered antibodies (i.e. vaccinations), such that the antigen (in this case COVID-19) is "insulated" from other members of the herd from a transmission standpoint. It's not a reference to a person, but a sub population. Herd Immunity is a relatively slow process to develop (in human terms) and does not insure against future infections of the same antigen. There's still a lot we don't know about this specific Coronavirus, but let's take some comfort in the knowledge we do have.

Completely agree about the risk to the BVI vs. the rest of the World and happy to see them taking the steps they have to try and mitigate the threat.
Posted By: Will_L

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 03/31/2020 12:53 AM

The huge problem is the number of asymptomatic people who have the virus. On the cruise ships that have provided the best look at the spread and effects on people who have it there were more than 20% with the virus that had no symptoms. Since it’s about 3 times as contagious as the flu viruses having asymptomatic carriers is a huge problem. The immediate lockdown was the best that could be done but it’s unlikely that the virus is contained to two or three individuals. I hope it is. Be safe .
Posted By: tpcook

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/01/2020 11:24 AM

Today the government announced another 14 days of "lock down" , total lock down from 6 pm to 6 am and a partial limited use "lock down" where people can shop from 6 am to 6 pm. Right now I have sent in medicines from the USA using Aeropost air express.. Now I am trying to determine how I am going to retrieve this medicine. I also need to get salt fro my pool so the chlorine generator will operate..Also need a valve and a soldering iron to get the pool operational. Just had it rebuilt with new diamond brite. Put $2000 worth of water in so do not want it to get green.
Posted By: gordaguy2

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/01/2020 04:13 PM

Good luck - pools can be tricky
Posted By: Carol_Hill

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/01/2020 05:01 PM

Yeah, those chlorine generators are great, when you can get the salt. Have you not used the salt before? I wouldn't think that is something that would be in short supply, but who knows? Hope you are able to get your medicine and the salt. Take care.
Posted By: calsail

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/02/2020 03:32 PM

So happy you got to your Sonoma home.
Posted By: Kmon

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/02/2020 04:28 PM

The BVI will let residents shop (Names A-I today, J-R Friday, and S-Z Saturday). Then it's back to TOTAL LOCKDOWN for 11 more days.
This means no one on the roads (driving or walking) Can't walk your dog or take trash to the trash bins!

https://bvi.gov.vg/media-centre/mandatory-24-hour-curfew
Posted By: sleepychef

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/02/2020 04:53 PM

No the lockdown will go to Sunday 17th to complete the 14 isolation cycle as stated in the speech. Trash is being picked up from the kerbside of houses.
Posted By: Carol_Hill

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/02/2020 05:26 PM

Originally Posted by Kmon
. …. Can't walk your dog or take trash to the trash bins!

https://bvi.gov.vg/media-centre/mandatory-24-hour-curfew


Kmon--not sure where you get that, from that link. To not put out trash would cause many more sanitation problems.
Posted By: Kmon

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/02/2020 08:00 PM

Originally Posted by Carol_Hill
Originally Posted by Kmon
. …. Can't walk your dog or take trash to the trash bins!

https://bvi.gov.vg/media-centre/mandatory-24-hour-curfew


Kmon--not sure where you get that, from that link. To not put out trash would cause many more sanitation problems.


We heard this from the owner of a resort on Virgin Gorda. They use bins which are 1/4 mile apart for their trash.
The owner said they are not supposed to be using the roads for any reason. Sleepy Chef said they are doing
curbside pickup on Tortola. They may be for individual houses there, but not sure about Virgin Gorda. The resort
owner also said she is walking their dogs on their property because the roads are not supposed to be used.
Posted By: Carol_Hill

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/02/2020 08:59 PM

But you said "can't walk your dog", which obviously they ARE walking their dogs, just on their own property. And it appears there are different rules for different islands. And I think that something got lost in translation, that they think they can't put their trash out. That's ridiculous.
Posted By: Kmon

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/03/2020 12:09 AM

Originally Posted by Carol_Hill
But you said "can't walk your dog", which obviously they ARE walking their dogs, just on their own property. And it appears there are different rules for different islands. And I think that something got lost in translation, that they think they can't put their trash out. That's ridiculous.

Yes, I meant they can't walk their dogs on the roads. It's because the governments have no idea what to do. Some are ridiculously restrictive and IMHO not necessary!
Posted By: tpcook

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/03/2020 12:33 PM

So 3 days of buying what you need for 14 days, then total lock down. For me I have the villa fully stocked with food , water etc. Since I own a lot of land in South Sound I could walk around, but I have workers staying with me at the villa. They work most days finishing the villa (maybe about a month) Today I am putting salt (that I bought yesterday) into the pool and then my salt generator will be making chlorine. I expect to stay until the villa is done (some things can't be completed until I get some more materials like a missing part for a dining room table but the company is in lock down in calif so no part coming.
Posted By: sleepychef

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/03/2020 12:55 PM

Kmon the garbage is collected on every island now, always was on Anegada since the first lockdown.'

As to ridiculous measures perhaps the US should lead and not follow what we are doing, the BVI does not have the medical facilities to deal with an outbreak such as is in the US at the moment, and the reality is the BVI will reopen much faster due to these measures, just not to outside traffic for a good while, probably not till next season in reality, harsh as it is, better that than anyone dying in the BVI.

Money can be replaced, your life cannot.
Posted By: Carol_Hill

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/03/2020 12:56 PM

Glad you were able to get the salt. Have you received your medicine? Take care and stay safe!
Posted By: JasonHelmbrecht

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/03/2020 01:28 PM

Originally Posted by Carol_Hill
But you said "can't walk your dog", which obviously they ARE walking their dogs, just on their own property. And it appears there are different rules for different islands. And I think that something got lost in translation, that they think they can't put their trash out. That's ridiculous.

In the original 6 day lockdown the instructions were "no extended dog walks" and "garbage can not be taken to the roadside bins". The dog walk rule was obviously unclear so most interpreted as they wished but the garbage was pretty clear and the intent was to store it for the 6 days as most people don't have curbside pickup as an option.

Beginning today and for the rest of the next 16 days, they have started curbside garbage pickup on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday so that should eliminate the storage issue. Haven't seen any new direction on dog walking but the beaches are specifically closed.
Posted By: Carol_Hill

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/03/2020 01:37 PM

OK, we only have garbage pick up here in Florida one day a week, so we already are required to hold our garbage for a week anyway. Do folks there not have big garbage cans? Doesn't sound like a big deal to me.
Posted By: JasonHelmbrecht

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/03/2020 02:33 PM

Originally Posted by Carol_Hill
OK, we only have garbage pick up here in Florida one day a week, so we already are required to hold our garbage for a week anyway. Do folks there not have big garbage cans? Doesn't sound like a big deal to me.

I would guess many don't because the road side dumpsters are very common and I think most just drop off a basic kitchen bag every day or 2. Normally, the dumpsters are emptied everyday. We have some larger cans outside because we collect trash for 11 villas.

The new curbside pickup 3 days/week should help most people.
Posted By: Latadjust

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/03/2020 03:14 PM

Are there people in hotels caught in the shutdown of travel? What are they doing for food for 14 days?

Same for anyone on a boat - fresh water ?
Posted By: LocalSailor

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/03/2020 03:32 PM

Originally Posted by Carol_Hill
OK, we only have garbage pick up here in Florida one day a week, so we already are required to hold our garbage for a week anyway. Do folks there not have big garbage cans? Doesn't sound like a big deal to me.

Because we have to take our trash to the roadside dumpsters having BIG garbage cans is a problem. Too heavy to hoist and empty into a dumpster and the big cans don't fit in most peoples cars. Almost everyone takes a bag of garbage to a dumpster every time they leave the house and do not store it in cans at home.
The roads are steep, many homes are not easily accessible for any kind of truck /home pickup, the dumpster system is not perfect but it is what we have.
Posted By: JasonHelmbrecht

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/03/2020 03:32 PM

Originally Posted by Latadjust
Are there people in hotels caught in the shutdown of travel? What are they doing for food for 14 days?

Same for anyone on a boat - fresh water ?

Guest in hotels were advised many days ago to leave the territory and there have been daily postings from the Tourist Board offering assistance to anyone still needing to travel home. I think there are a few guests around still but mostly on boats and in villas with kitchens.
Posted By: Carol_Hill

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/03/2020 03:53 PM

LocalSailor--OK, thanks for the info.
Posted By: RatmansWife

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/03/2020 04:04 PM

Carol, I agree with you, but it's a matter of habit.

We have two large garbage cans with secure lids. Everything is bagged within the cans, so we never lift the cans or take them anywhere. We have no dumpsters on our island. Once or twice a week we load the bags into the car, drive to the dock, carry the bags to the boat, drive the boat a mile, dock, unload the bags and carry them to a dumpster.

Paper and wood go to the burn pile. Until recently we had an organic pit with iron lid. We had to remove it for construction, and discovered we had been breeding hundreds of world-class size cockroaches!

I think the quarantine instructions could have been clearer. For example, walking your dog on your own property should not have been an issue, or using a beach on your own property.
Posted By: Carol_Hill

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/03/2020 04:08 PM

Yikes, regarding the cockroaches!!! Hate those SOBs!! Take care.
Posted By: tpcook

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/04/2020 12:27 PM

Carol:

Got the salt and the pool is now generating chlorine Meanwhile the new 55 inch tv died, so I need to take apart and figure out what the problem is. Life is Ok with me on Virgin Gorda. I have about 150 acres of land to move about on but it really does not make a difference. More or less I am confined to the villa. The medicine is still "on the way" as is another 20 air shipments. Yesterday I got a call that some tile I sent was on a barge and to go collect it. I have another shipment was to be here a week ago but the ship was delayed. So coming in this week..Unfortunately I think it will be a while until folks come back although I think there will be a great demand to vacation after this ordeal, so we may bounce back quicker. Meanwhile the computer is my only link to the outside world. Take care!
Posted By: Carol_Hill

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/04/2020 01:23 PM

I guess you can't go to pick up the shipment though? Hope your meds come in soon.
Posted By: Carol_Hill

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/12/2020 01:20 PM

Any update from those on island?
Posted By: tpcook

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/12/2020 02:29 PM

Here is the situation on Virgin Gorda. The lock down is to end April 20th No new cases have been found. Thus I expect the folks will be allowed to start the long road back to recovery again I have AA frequent flyer tickets on hold for May 13 from STT to Miami. I have completed my task to rebuild the South Sound Villa for over 2.5 years. It is all I had imagined it to be for the rebuild..It is time for me to leave and go back to Vero Beach for a month or so and then I will probably go back to the villa in late June to enjoy what I did.
Posted By: tpcook

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/12/2020 02:36 PM

Carol, Since I wrote this a couple of days ago, all of my friends are saying to stay ON Virgin Gorda, It is safer here than back in the states, so having second thoughts about coming back. I will spend some time writing up a story on my time on Virgin Gorda.

Yesterday I thought I was having a heart problem so went to the local clinic. They did 2 EKG tests and 3 blood samples several hours apart. Everything came back negative except the bill at $541 Hope my medicare pick up the tab.

Pam and I are fine and we are living in a wonderful new villa, so nothing to complain about.
Posted By: gordaguy2

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/12/2020 03:31 PM

Hi Thorny - check with your amex or visa card - a few years ago I had an issue on VG and spent some time at Peebles - bill was 4 grand and i was lucky they treated me as a resident - Visa came through and repaid the whole thing - cheers Brian
Posted By: crmoores

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/12/2020 03:44 PM

We're in Mexico for the winter and also having second thoughts on returning to the US next month, will have to decide then...Beaches & bars closed here of course, but the weather is nicer!
Posted By: Carol_Hill

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/12/2020 03:56 PM

Thorny--I'm kind of confused by your two posts, stating one was written two days ago, when it shows it was an hour ago, but I understand where you're coming from, in terms of your situation. Take care, stay safe.
Posted By: Winterstale

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/12/2020 04:04 PM

Carol - the timeline on the forum has been doing that a bit lately - very odd!
Posted By: Carol_Hill

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/12/2020 04:12 PM

OK, I hadn't noticed that. Odd..
Posted By: lstephen

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/12/2020 04:42 PM

Maybe not quite on topic but there's been a small catamaran at anchor in Whites Bay for several days now. Visible via the Soggy webcam. Someone riding out quarantine? Violating the ban? Not a problem for me, just curious.
Posted By: bailau

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/12/2020 04:45 PM

You cant move down there if you are a boat...so you have to stay moored/anchored in the same harbor

Been watching it as well wondering how long before being stuck in front of Soggy would get old
Posted By: Fran

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/13/2020 11:59 AM

I have been checking the Soggy cam daily, some days multiple times. Boats have been moving in and out of White Bay quite often. So much for having to stay in place.
Posted By: JasonHelmbrecht

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/13/2020 01:09 PM

Originally Posted by Fran
I have been checking the Soggy cam daily, some days multiple times. Boats have been moving in and out of White Bay quite often. So much for having to stay in place.

I think most boats are staying in place. Cane Garden Bay had 2 boats at the beginning of lockdown. A crewed cat and a cruising monohull. Both boats left when we got a North swell last week. The cat moved to Diamond Cay and has staying in place along with a large yacht, Mogambo. Haven't seen any boats come in or out of CGB since except for the police boat and boarder patrol.

I did see a Lagoon crossing along the southern JVD coast a few days ago but pretty sure I saw a shot of them stopped by the police boat.
Posted By: Manpot

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/13/2020 04:51 PM

Jason..trusting you and Tiffany are staying safe and well and really hoping to see you both as soon as this gets better.
Posted By: LocalSailor

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/13/2020 05:25 PM

Not all vessels are using a transponder monitored by this site but it does give you a general idea of boat movement, location, ID, past movement etc

https://www.marinetraffic.com/en/ais/home/centerx:-64.8/centery:18.3/zoom:11
Posted By: Fran

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/13/2020 05:50 PM

Apparently the key word there Jason is "most". All I can say is I've seen multiple boats come and go from White Bay.
Posted By: toast

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/14/2020 10:18 AM

Your friends are right to tell you to stay put. BVI has it together much more than alot of other countries. They have prevented the spread and the residents were mindful to comply.
Posted By: GeorgeC1

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/14/2020 11:45 AM

It’s just a bit easier to isolate the BVI than most countries. Since most experts agree this will become a seasonal illness the question becomes what happens when they reopen.
G
Posted By: sleepychef

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/14/2020 03:12 PM

I would imagine BVI will make 14 day quarantine mandatory for all entering once they open borders, so just book 2 weeks extra holiday and enjoy the governments hospitality.
Posted By: Brian21097

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/14/2020 04:19 PM

LOL... I hope you are joking. Not many can or would even want to take an extra 14 days off to be in quarantine for a 1 week vacation.
Posted By: sleepychef

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/14/2020 06:45 PM

Joke!

Borders will reopen to belongers and Citizens around May 20th.
Posted By: Manpot

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/14/2020 07:06 PM

Peter ..does that ruling include residents?
Posted By: sleepychef

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/14/2020 07:43 PM

They will announce specifics perhaps tonight, but when you do come in you will be in lockdown for 14 days and probably not at your own home.
Posted By: Winterstale

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/14/2020 09:21 PM

Well, even though I was 99.9999999% sure I wasn’t getting on a 5/24 charter boat...this pretty much cements that.

Now I will just hope for November.

Stay safe everyone - sending much love to all!!

Thanks for keeping us in the know, Peter! Hope to see you this year!
Posted By: ndfaninnc

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/15/2020 12:18 PM

Thanks Peter. 05/09 Anegada trip is out. Hopefully June or July. If not, then November it is.
Posted By: Brent

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/15/2020 01:25 PM

Ahoy Captains,
There have been some good developments, as of the evening of Monday Apr 13, here in the BVI.
On Monday night the Minister of Health announced through a local media outlet that the conditions for the Quarantine would change again.
He announced that the Full 24 Hour Quarantine would end at 6 AM on Monday Apr 20.
Then a ‘Soft Quarantine’ would run from 6 AM to 6 PM with only Essential Services allowed to open for the first 7 days.
I cannot find any Confirmation from the Governor ‘s office (who by Law is the only one able to establish a Quarantine) or from the Prime Minister’s office.
The BVI Gov House of Assembly is scheduled to meet on Thursday Apr 16, so this may be made official or changed again as a result of that meeting.
https://www.bviplatinum.com/news.php?articleId=31497
https://bvinews.com/bvi-to-enter-soft-curfew-next-week-borders-will-reopen-to-residents-in-a-month/
More good news in that 2 of the 3 persons documented in the BVI to have contracted Covid 19 have now tested negative, although this has not yet been independently clinically confirmed.
And more good news that the BVI Government continues to proactively source personnel, equipment, and medicines to treat Covid 19.
Fair Winds, Brent from thecaptainscompass.com
Posted By: JasonHelmbrecht

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/15/2020 01:38 PM

Originally Posted by Brent
Ahoy Captains,
There have been some good developments, as of the evening of Monday Apr 13, here in the BVI.
On Monday night the Minister of Health announced through a local media outlet that the conditions for the Quarantine would change again.
He announced that the Full 24 Hour Quarantine would end at 6 AM on Monday Apr 20.
Then a ‘Soft Quarantine’ would run from 6 AM to 6 PM with only Essential Services allowed to open for the first 7 days.
I cannot find any Confirmation from the Governor ‘s office (who by Law is the only one able to establish a Quarantine) or from the Prime Minister’s office.
The BVI Gov House of Assembly is scheduled to meet on Thursday Apr 16, so this may be made official or changed again as a result of that meeting.
https://www.bviplatinum.com/news.php?articleId=31497
https://bvinews.com/bvi-to-enter-soft-curfew-next-week-borders-will-reopen-to-residents-in-a-month/
More good news in that 2 of the 3 persons documented in the BVI to have contracted Covid 19 have now tested negative, although this has not yet been independently clinically confirmed.
And more good news that the BVI Government continues to proactively source personnel, equipment, and medicines to treat Covid 19.
Fair Winds, Brent from thecaptainscompass.com

The official announcement is scheduled for 10am today. Can be seen on Facebook, Flow TV Ch. 101, Flow Radio 90.9, and ZBVI 980 AM. Also online at Flow online CBNvirginislands.com.
Posted By: Brian21097

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/15/2020 02:18 PM

Good news for BVI themselves, but as soon as you open up international travel it would undoubtedly lead to infections. I doubt this would help people with charters in the next few months unless the government prioritizes economy over health.
Posted By: sleepychef

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/15/2020 02:52 PM

Sorry borders will not reopen till 1st June and thats not for tourists for 3 months.....I hope I misheard as the power went justas he said it!
Posted By: bagsarepacked

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/15/2020 03:11 PM

If I understood correctly, tourists will not be allowed until September.
90 days after the open to residents outside of the country.
Posted By: tradewinds

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/15/2020 03:18 PM

Peter, what you said is correct.
Posted By: sunman60

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/15/2020 07:02 PM

hi folks, just saying we love you, love the BVi's, love travel end of; imo the issue is going to be the health support in global travel destinations, the minute the doors get opened it'll come; I can't think of a sailing destination that's set up to be able to contain an outbreak, can anybody? and that's very worrying because most all of them depend on tourism to survive economically. so we're in dire need of a global vaccine and global antibody test, difficult to see how things get opened up before that happens.
Posted By: sail445

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/15/2020 09:57 PM

Post deleted
Posted By: maytrix

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/15/2020 10:15 PM

Yeah.. Sept 2nd for everyone except BVI Islanders and Residents..

https://bvinews.com/no-entry-for-lo...OIvQG3JTW4RPwTBKSAK2K27Khm5cxM46GVxjIKkg
Posted By: sail445

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/15/2020 11:24 PM

Just read your article.
This doesn’t mean Sept 2 is written in cement,
most people believe this social experiment that’s being done with the whole planet will end shortly.
Posted By: Manpot

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/15/2020 11:48 PM

I should know the answer to this..but I dont. When we run our California to Tortola and back we always ferry in and out and fly out of St Thomas. Does anyone fly Stt to EIS if we cant ferry? I know there are some air charter companies and, maybe closer, we will see if we can be joined by others. We are BVI Residents so we can get back in early June as of right now but I would really rather not fly through San Juan if I can help it. Any advice is greatly appreciated.
Posted By: tradewinds

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/16/2020 12:01 AM

Mal, VI Airlink flies from St. Thomas to Tortola.
www.viairlink.com

Posted By: maytrix

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/16/2020 12:09 AM

Originally Posted by sail445
Just read your article.
This doesn’t mean Sept 2 is written in cement,
most people believe this social experiment that’s being done with the whole planet will end shortly.


No, it certainly isn't written in cement, but given that we will continue to see cases across the rest of the world, it is probably likely. I hope not, but if I had to bet, I'd probably bet on it being at least until then.
Posted By: GeorgeC1

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/16/2020 12:34 PM

The real question is can the people in the BVI survive without cash flow into next October. The BVI does not export much in the way of products other than a few lobsters. Their trade medium is currency produced by tourism and banking. Banking is hurting badly in the BVI and tourism dollars are zero. At what point do basic necessities stop arriving in the BVI? What kind of cash reserves does the government have in hand?
G
Posted By: JasonHelmbrecht

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/16/2020 01:03 PM

Originally Posted by Manpot
I should know the answer to this..but I dont. When we run our California to Tortola and back we always ferry in and out and fly out of St Thomas. Does anyone fly Stt to EIS if we cant ferry? I know there are some air charter companies and, maybe closer, we will see if we can be joined by others. We are BVI Residents so we can get back in early June as of right now but I would really rather not fly through San Juan if I can help it. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Be sure to do some more research before planning to return in June. I have the impression that returning residents will have to quarantine (and not at home) for 14 days upon return based on travel history. Coming from the US would most likely require you to quarantine. The health minister reported yesterday they were planning 150 beds for quarantine purposes for those 3 months.
Posted By: sleepychef

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/16/2020 02:14 PM

The real question is can the people in the BVI survive without cash flow into next October. The BVI does not export much in the way of products other than a few lobsters. Their trade medium is currency produced by tourism and banking. Banking is hurting badly in the BVI and tourism dollars are zero. At what point do basic necessities stop arriving in the BVI? What kind of cash reserves does the government have in hand?

quote does not work on my Mac

Virgin Gorda will be badly affected but Jost & Anegada will be decimated by this, Tortola will scrape through. The announcement basically means more than 2000 people will now need flights out the BVI unless a stimulus package comes out by next week.
Posted By: RatmansWife

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/16/2020 02:39 PM

Looking at that survey businesses have to fill out about their workers makes me wonder if the plan isn't to export unemployment. Not a new strategy in the BVI, although not a very successful one either, IMO. My guess is work permits in the hospitality sector will not be renewed, for the most part. This is going to be very expensive for many businesses, as they will have to pay severance after three months, unless the law is changed.
Posted By: TomGarvey

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/16/2020 02:44 PM

Peter, have you and other Anegada restaurants considered offering e-gift cards for future use? That was done after Irma.
Posted By: crmoores

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/16/2020 03:19 PM

"I have the impression that returning residents will have to quarantine (and not at home) for 14 days... The health minister reported yesterday they were planning 150 beds for quarantine purposes for those 3 months."
If the beds are in shared facilities it surely seems that anyone required to do that would require a second 14-day quarantine period on their own to ensure they didn't contract the COVID-19 during that initial quarantine period...
Posted By: sleepychef

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/17/2020 05:33 PM

Not really into that and not had a chat to anyone as I have been at tThe Wonky Dog since before the lockdown began.

We are looking at selling our T-shirts online which we Get a lot of requests for.

Irma was different, the world wasn't destroyed we were, but now....
Posted By: Winterstale

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/21/2020 12:46 PM

I wonder if anyone bought a week's "membership" to boatyball and had to get refunded...
Posted By: Eric_Hill

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/21/2020 12:48 PM

Ok, we do not want to start this!
Posted By: Winterstale

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/21/2020 12:52 PM

rofl rofl
Just thought we could use a little laugh amidst all the cancel and reschedule chat - I know there are much bigger issues out there....
Posted By: warren460

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/22/2020 03:06 AM

Lol
Posted By: lldks

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/22/2020 09:28 PM

Just heard from the Moorings today that BVIs will be open on June 2. This is quite different from what I'm reading on this forum about September 2. Anyone have an idea as to whether the Sept 2 date has been changed?
Posted By: sleepychef

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/22/2020 11:07 PM

The borders reopen on the 2nd June for flights only into EIS and only for Belongers Residents and Work Permit Holders ,

Perhaps they have other information but what else did Moorings say?
Posted By: JasonHelmbrecht

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/22/2020 11:42 PM

Originally Posted by sleepychef
The borders reopen on the 2nd June for flights only into EIS and only for Belongers Residents and Work Permit Holders ,

Perhaps they have other information but what else did Moorings say?

Did you hear about a change for Work Permit Holders? The announcement last week was that the 3 months after June 2 would only be Belongers and Residents.
Posted By: lldks

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/23/2020 02:46 PM

I commented those TWO different dates to both an agent and supervisor but they both felt that the latest information was June 2, across the board. Wondering if anyone on this site had that different information.
Posted By: Carol_Hill

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/23/2020 03:49 PM

If you're talking about an agent and a supervisor at an airline, it's been my experience that the airlines are often the LAST to know the proper information…
Posted By: lldks

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/23/2020 03:50 PM

No, this was an agent and supervisor at Moorings.
Posted By: Carol_Hill

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/23/2020 04:07 PM

OK, I still would trust the official government pronouncement more.
Posted By: bailau

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/23/2020 04:14 PM

Agree with Carol...Moorings has been rolling their closings 1 week each weekend on their website and I trust their base camp more than corporate
Posted By: JasonHelmbrecht

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/23/2020 04:15 PM

I went back thru the official government release on immigration from last week. It is currently only prohibiting entry until June 2. That was the original end of Phase 1 of reopening the BVI but that was announced before an additional 7 days of 24hr curfew was added.

Later this week, we should find out if phase 1 still ends on June 1 or if it gets extended a week. Sometime later in May, we should find out what Phase 2 is officially but they had originally announced June 2 - September 1 the airport only would open for belongers, residents, and work permit holders with some serious restrictions. That information was given in a verbal announcement but has not been officially published by the government as the phase 2 details haven't been approved yet.
Posted By: ski2play

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/23/2020 05:08 PM

Thanks Jason for the clarification and update.

Can't wait to get back to our house on Jost!

Take care!
Posted By: Manpot

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/23/2020 08:55 PM

Second that...missing the view from CRC to your house ski2play!
Posted By: toast

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/24/2020 12:13 AM

I have a charter booked for july 4 with dream yacht charters and they are telling me not to cancel and that the borders are opening June 2nd.....I have not booked my air yet because I really do not think I will be going.....
Posted By: tpcook

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/24/2020 12:21 PM

As of right now, not going to happen. The bvi needs to find a way of testing folks that are coming in and that is a big problem
Posted By: GeorgeC1

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/24/2020 01:21 PM

The BVI needs to understand that the only way they will keep the virus out is to observe a strict lockdown forever. Many people don’t grasp that the current efforts in most countries are not designed to reduce the number of cases but rather spread them out over a longer time period to ease the burden on health services.
Posted By: JasonHelmbrecht

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/24/2020 01:32 PM

Originally Posted by toast
I have a charter booked for july 4 with dream yacht charters and they are telling me not to cancel and that the borders are opening June 2nd.....I have not booked my air yet because I really do not think I will be going.....

For anyone interested or with a vacation planned between now and September, I found the transcript of the Premier's statement from 15 April. It's quiet long, but if you search for "When the borders do open up in phase two" you will find the section about opening the borders. In it he describes that when the borders do open, the 1st 3 months will only be for belongers and residents.

I think the charter companies are being hopeful that the strategy changes but I'm less optimistic. We will find out more soon!
Posted By: Deepcut

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/24/2020 03:15 PM

Jason,

I believe much earlier in statement there was the phrase "subject to change".

2 ways to get to same date of opening.
1) Announce shut down for short time period and keep extending it as necessary
2) Announce shut down for a very long time period and then shorten it if necessary

Where we end up, is unknown. Sept 1st is a long way away. Is it too long? Or too short? Time will tell.
Posted By: JasonHelmbrecht

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/24/2020 03:30 PM

Originally Posted by Deepcut
Jason,

I believe much earlier in statement there was the phrase "subject to change".

2 ways to get to same date of opening.
1) Announce shut down for short time period and keep extending it as necessary
2) Announce shut down for a very long time period and then shorten it if necessary

Where we end up, is unknown. Sept 1st is a long way away. Is it too long? Or too short? Time will tell.

Hopefully, the curfews we've had are not indicative of opening the borders. They just been adding and adding. Adding to a September open date will be ugly.
Posted By: RatmansWife

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/24/2020 04:11 PM

From a tourism standpoint, there isn't much difference between September and November, given the low number of visitors in September and October. My guess is that they may allow property owners in sooner, then maybe charter boat people and land-based visitors. If they never allow cruise ships, that's fine with me.

But there will be political and financial pressure, the result of which is hard to estimate.
Posted By: Manpot

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/24/2020 09:14 PM

I'd love to see the cruise hips banned forever but I cannot believe that taxi drivers..and their families that swing the vote///will allow that. I've said it before..I;d love to see them get out of their cabs and back to farming and fishing so we dont have to import fish!!
Posted By: NCSailor

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/24/2020 10:54 PM

Originally Posted by Manpot
I'd love to see the cruise hips banned forever but I cannot believe that taxi drivers..and their families that swing the vote///will allow that. I've said it before..I;d love to see them get out of their cabs and back to farming and fishing so we don't have to import fish!!
th

I think the cruise ship business is dead for the next 1-2 years. The taxi drivers better get out there rods and nets. You could not pay me to get on a cruise ship prison.
Posted By: Winterstale

Re: BVI will go into complete lockdown - 04/26/2020 01:49 PM

BVI Yacht Charters told us that summer charters are a bust. They let us reschedule at no fee for November.
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