BVI News

BVIHSA providing pre-travel COVID-19 testing service for a fee

With a number of regional countries requesting COVID-19 test results before accepting visitors to enter, the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) has announced that it will be offering a paid service for those who request COVID-19 testing for travel purposes.

A media release from the BVIHSA said the initiative is part of their wider plans to increase testing within the territory.

“At BVIHSA, we acknowledge the rippling effects that this ‘new normal’ has dictated in reshaping how we live. Therefore, we are extending COVID testing to include persons needing a test for elective procedures and travel,” Director of Primary Health Care, Dr Natasha Frett stated.

The BVIHSA further said persons desirous of utilising the service will have to take their test a minimum of 10 days before the time the result is needed. 

This testing will allow a traveller with a negative result to be exempted from the mandatory 14-day quarantine period that is part of the COVID-19 safety protocols for most Caribbean countries.

Caribbean countries allowing pre-testing

Such countries that require visitors to produce COVID-19 test results before their travel include Aruba, Bahamas, Jamaica, St Lucia, and Barbados.

The BVIHSA, in the meantime, said persons interested in taking the elective COVID-19 test can call the BVI’s medical hotline at 284-852-7650 or email at [email protected].

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17 Comments

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  1. Wow says:

    You should do the same for those coming back to BVI. It will be so much easier for our life. I have been quarantine 3 times already, because my job requires travel.

    Like 15
    Dislike 2
    • 10days says:

      10 days for the test result? Where they sending the test to Senegal? In the US rest results in a hospital within 2 hours. Outside a hospital one day. The BVI 10 days No wonder there are no cases reported. There is no testing.

      Like 14
      Dislike 1
      • Hmmm says:

        You have poor reading comprehension. Read again what is 10 days.

      • SJU won't let us in says:

        So we won’t be able to go to Puerto Rico. They say the test has to be done within the last 72 hours. In Grenada they get results in two days, why are we so far behind them?

    • Hmmm says:

      You have poor reading comprehension. Read again what is 10 days.

  2. Question... says:

    So is the same reciprocal because it is only fair that we are also able to exempt persons from the mandatory 14-day quarantine requirement when they enter the BVI territory, if they have tested negative for the con-vid virus and Government would not have to increase the current rooming facilities currently being used to host returnees.

    Like 8
    Dislike 1
  3. vg resident says:

    So what is the cost? How will be sent to a traveler? How about all the information instead of bits.

    Like 10
  4. @ says:

    The mandatory quarantine is not that sustainable. I hope BVI also implements this alternative option for travelers. If someone needs to be in and out or has limited vacation time even as a BVIlander who lives away – why not give them the option to prove they have taken the test in the required time frame – even if its from select countries it would be better than having everyone in lockdown from 14days.

    Like 5
    Dislike 1
  5. 2cents says:

    Maybe those protocols could be used for tourists arriving to territory before the economy collapses.

    Like 11
  6. Wow says:

    It already collaps

  7. Pointless says:

    Most countries are requiring the test be done within one week of travel Ten days will therefore be useless. We have to step up the bar for it to be useful.

    Like 11
  8. Selfmade says:

    10 days turn around is crazy. At that point the results are invalid.

  9. Tonge Fu says:

    From the 15th Puerto Rico is requiring a 72 hour covid- 19 test

    St. Maarten requires this already.

    Antigua require a 1 week before arrival COVID-19 Test.

    So what sense does a 10 day wait for the test make? I believe if you go through B& F to get the sample it can be done within two days.

    Why can we not have a similar test for all returning nationals? That would save on quarantine security costs or they trying to feed somebody security firm? We also need to come up with proper health safety protocols for visitors. A 72 hour COVID- 19 test would be ideal.

    This economy is in a seriously fragile state and we need to reopen in a safe and responsible manner and that needs to happen urgently.

  10. rrr says:

    The 10 day wait time renders this entire operation utterly useless. Within 10 days someone can have contracted Covid 19. 10 days is also longer than anywhere I have heard of would accept. I would not accept a traveller into my home with a 10 day (or more) old result. Please come into the real world BVIHSA.

    Like 13

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