BVI News

UPDATE: Two returnees suspected of having COVID-19 test negative

Health Minister Carvin Malone has said that the two returning nationals who were suspected of having COVID-19 have returned negative test results for the virus.

Malone said in a national broadcast Sunday evening, June 28, that they were tested at the Dr D Orlando Smith Hospital laboratory upon arrival on Saturday, “as a precautionary measure to verify whether any of the two persons under investigation were currently carrying the virus although neither of them had exhibited symptoms of the disease”.

“The decision to conduct the test at the beginning of the 14-day quarantine period resulted from reports reaching the Ministry of Health that the two travellers had reportedly been exposed to the COVID-19 virus while overseas,” Malone explained.

Based on government’s re-entry protocol for returnees, both travellers will be retested at the end of their 14-day quarantine period before being approved to reintegrate into the general public.

Following release from quarantine, returnees are advised to self-monitor for an addition 14 days and report any coronavirus-related symptoms to government’s medical hotline at (284) 852-7650.

268 returning nationals so far

As of the time of Malone’s statement on Sunday, 268 nationals have returned to the territory since government restricted the reopening of the territory’s borders.

“It is important to note that tests are being done on returning nationals. The Ministry of Health have conducted tests on 169 returning residents and all residents and all test results of these residents have returned negative,” Malone said.

Only two persons from that number are not yet approved to exit quarantine.

The minister, in the meantime, said it is likely the BVI may have returnees who become exposed to the virus. He, however, assured that the Ministry of Health is equipped and has protocols in place to handle any such instance.

PREVIOUSLY-PUBLISHED ARTICLE

Two locals believed to be carrying COVID-19 land in BVI

Information reaching BVI News are that at least two returning nationals believed to have tested positive for the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) have arrived in the territory.

Highly-placed sources told our news centre that the individuals were travelling from Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic when they were tested in-transit and found to be carriers of the virus.

BVI News understands that they arrived on Seaborne Airlines at the TB Lettsome International Airport on Saturday, June 27 after another airline, who reportedly administered the test, denied them from travelling on their aircraft.

The persons in question were classified as asymptomatic, meaning they were showing no symptoms of COVID-19.

They have since been taken into quarantine.

BVI News will bring you more information on this developing story as it becomes available.

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84 Comments

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  1. Thought So! says:

    And what about the other persons on the flight or even in the airport who might have been in contact with those two?

    I hope they recover quickly.

    Like 33
    Dislike 2
  2. Just Saying says:

    If they were using the sea port instead of the airport these individuals could have been tested in St. Thomas instead of in Tortola and denied travel. The question now is how many other people were on that flight that now needs to be quarantined?
    The ferries run everyday except Sunday, place a testing station at the Tortola Wharf and test people there. If you have the virus you don’t get on the boat.

    Like 5
    Dislike 15
    • Tictok says:

      It doesnt matter what entry point. Furthermore, the testing requires a controlled environment. Do you know how long the test will take?

    • King says:

      What’s the difference? They were tested where they came from and one airline denied them travel. The other brought them so it seems to me like if that airline had denied them they would have had to stay where they were.

      Just like they would have stayed in st Thomas they could have stayed in PR had the airline refused to bring them. Now I understand some people prefer to travel via stt but you have to understand the airport Need the revenue.

      I have two friends right there in st Thomas who need to get home. One is very sick and cannot deal with the PR hastle and the other is a senior citizen who is terrified of flying buttt it is what it is.

      Like 1
      Dislike 3
      • H says:

        They can fly straight to Tortola its 9minutes.

        Like 3
        Dislike 1
        • Mildred says:

          What’s the fear? They bought round trip tickets when they went to stt. That’s an added expense it seems for people who do not work though.

          Like 1
          Dislike 2
        • Caribbean Girl says:

          No, if they are sick. Why they coming to TOLA. ? PR is considering stopping sick people at the Intl Airport bc numbers are climbing with arriving passengers infected. They have to stay put.

          Like 2
          Dislike 2
      • Hmmm says:

        Thats the best thing they should have been put to immediate isolation as soon as they were tested positive. The first airline did the right thing.

        Like 9
        Dislike 1
      • THINK! says:

        This is where Rapid Response Testing needs to be used at points of entry. Can not wait for ting’ to come back from Trini.

        Like 1
        Dislike 1
    • READ says:

      They were tested before travelling!!!

      Like 2
      Dislike 2
    • The watchman says:

      You reading? They were tested in Santo Domingo!

      Like 2
      Dislike 1
    • Just Saying says:

      Isn’t a 14 day quarantine compulsory already for all returning persons.

    • Huh!! says:

      Where in the article said testing was done in tortola as it clearly state testing was done an administered by an airline which was not named and base on the positive result the airline refuse to have them board the flight but however they have manage to gain entry into the territory by sea borne airline… with that said I think the government now needs to put measures in place to make it mandatory for very person entering the territory to be tested and be negative before boarding a flight to the territory…

    • lol says:

      They are not clear until they finish 14 days of quarantine and test negative

  3. Hmmmmmmm says:

    Well, I thought the Government wasn’t taking in people from highly infected places!

    Like 35
    Dislike 3
    • The watchman says:

      USA and UK? Don’t be ignorant! Just like other Countries the BVI have to allow their citizens to come home period!

      Like 10
      Dislike 10
    • Thumbs up Broken says:

      What is the Government telling the airlines?, How can one airline turn the COVID19 travelers away and another airline load them up with other passengers and bring them to Beef Island??

      Like 15
  4. vip heckler says:

    We will soon hear half truths coming from the ministry

    Like 21
    Dislike 9
    • To VIP heckler says:

      To be honest with you, I dont believe ANYTHING the minister say….because the government can not be trusted. Imagine they allowed people to march the other day, and there was no social distancing, but schools can’t open. These people bright

      Like 19
      Dislike 10
      • @ VIP Heckler says:

        Imagine right after the March went straight to the Multipurpose Complex with no social distancing or masks being worn.

        Like 18
      • Anonymous says:

        Most of the people that were marching were grown adults. The Schools are usually attended by children people usually 17 and younger. It’s hard to control children. If parents cant control their children you think the teachers will get them to social distance, wash their hands etc. Its not like the entire territory was shut down and they granted a special privilege by allowing people to march.

        Like 14
        Dislike 4
      • Smh says:

        I can see who Did Not attend the March and spreading lies.

  5. DR says:

    Thats place is rife with the disease they should quarantine everyone coming from that country wether they test positive or not and keep them in lock down for the full 14 days.

    Once the borders reopen they should not allow people from high risk countries back in till they have the virus under control.

    Like 24
    Dislike 2
  6. Ms. symptomatic says:

    see the same sh*t and it has begun………….

    first off the Premier needs to STOP anyone nationals, residents, belonger’s it doesnt matter who they are… from coming in from the Dominican Republic am i the only person following the covid cases in the caribbean the Dominican Republic is the NEW USA in terms of getting hundreds of new cases EVERYDAY.

    Mr Premier please im begging you. STOP THEM!!!!!

    Like 38
    Dislike 7
  7. Hmmm says:

    And those who do not have it are not being allowed in yet.

    Like 2
    Dislike 4
  8. smh says:

    Man why yall dont stay in ayo country in the first place man. Now look!

    Like 9
    Dislike 9
    • @smh says:

      U sound funny they r both bvislanders so dis is day country. And glad its not and expat caz u wud not hear d end of it keep letting in allu local and see d amount of cases we wud hav here

      Like 13
  9. Pig says:

    Exactly what the opposition wants. He should be gloating now. Was all his idea to open borders. Wait for the monster attack.

    Like 9
    Dislike 2
    • Hmmmm says:

      Opposition has no say in today’s affairs and you know that. Who studying them! They could talk till they fraught. They have nothing to do with the decision to open anything – no praise, no blame for them.

      Like 5
      Dislike 1
  10. Seriously says:

    They were denied on one airline, what brains do they have to then go on another airline to fly here, seriously really….

    Like 21
  11. Agree says:

    I agree the government should not allow people who are coming from high risk countries resident or none resident..they needs to stay there until they get it under control, if theses countries are still high risk why are people been let in and out of those countries?

    Like 15
    Dislike 2
    • David Connor says:

      I agree , but what government should do is not allow people with the virus in, BVI belongers it not. I could bet those two persons have duel citizenship, so the airline should have denied them and government should fine that airline for bring them.

      Like 5
      Dislike 1
    • Anonymous says:

      Airports in Santo Domingo remain closed for arrivals and departures. These individuals were traveling from some place else.

      Like 1
      Dislike 1
      • @anonymous says:

        Where did u get this news from Antigua just recorded about 19 from D.R.. And where one of them escaped quarantine and could be face with deportation order…

  12. one love says:

    now things to take ?

  13. & says:

    MOMO the news says LOCAL

    Like 4
    Dislike 1
  14. Pat says:

    See why they need the security and you all wicked people beating up on the esteemed speaker Secuirty contract

  15. Concerned says:

    I respect the need for the public to know of cases in the BVI, but I must say I am disappointed on how this information is handled. COVID19 is a new virus, and like HIV/AIDS back in the day, there are implications and ramifications on mere suspicion. Why entertain this information without confidently naming the source? If the source cant be named, then we should question the credibility and whether or not this information should be printed. And if it is so, I am disappointed that this respected source mismanaged this information and shared it. I am equally disappointed that it has been printed. We argue that Tortola is Talktola and we are not respectful to hold persons information in confidence. Let us then, not encourage this further. If we know, let us handle the information appropriately. If we cant go “on the record” and be quoted, then we probably should not say… And if that is the scenario, we should think twice before we print. Let us exercise humanity and tact in the days to come, and not further victimize or cause panic and confusion for the sake of sensationalism and sales. Corona not going anywhere soon. Let us not be contributors to the chaos. Let us consider ourselves walking in the shoes of those who are positive and the authorities that are working to keep things orderly and protect everyone

    Like 11
    Dislike 4
  16. Ooooo says:

    O God help please i need to go to work an make some money lord help your Land take say this covd

  17. Hello?! says:

    Everyone that returns enters into quarantine

    Like 4
    Dislike 1
  18. No one says:

    This local madness will kill BVI one day

    Like 12
    Dislike 1
  19. Anonymous says:

    Where r dey being quarantine??????

  20. Hmm says:

    This should not happen period. If they were denied entry on one plane how is it that they can come on another. Something ain’t adding up and the government will have to answer questions. They put the other lives in jeopardy with this matchbox return home strategy. I pray nothing happens the other travelers lest forbid a lawsuit.

    Like 13
    Dislike 2
  21. What a ting says:

    When we have double standards this is what happens . People are put in place to do their jobs . Ministers cannot be blamed for everything that goes wrong . They cannot micro manage . The heads of Dept and people on the ground are responsible as well . What a ting !!

    Like 10
    Dislike 2
  22. Concern Citizen says:

    What are people allowing back into the territory from the Dominican Republic and they’re at high risk with Covid-19?

    Like 8
    Dislike 2
  23. Test them first says:

    The DR has a big problem with Covid. Our residents in DR shouldn’t come home until they test negative IN the DR. Then quarantine here under strict guards, maybe back in Patsy’s hotel.

    Like 7
    Dislike 3
  24. Mulato says:

    How did they reached to PR if the DR borders are closed. May well be from the US.

  25. Mad Max says:

    Here we see the problem with locals in all the top jobs. They have no discretion. They will leak information. Imagine this if it was confidential information that came from the top cop or AG. They think they are above the law!

    Like 9
    Dislike 1
  26. informed says:

    Im pleased that the government has in place a rigid testing process. This is what it was set up to capture and its now being controlled. We need to live alongside covid and work together to reduce the spread. Its unfortunate the USA is not leading the way in controlling. Europe just stopped US citizens travel as its a high risk.

    Like 2
    Dislike 3
  27. Unbelievable says:

    Why they were allowed in? If they tested positive before boarding (the original carrier refused to bring them) they should have stayed out of the territory.

    Today I’ve been to a few different places. People are not using masks. Clients and workers were not wearing them although the signs to use were all over). There was a mother with 2 daughters and one was without. Kids are not immune and as our Premier said we are not out of woods. Don’t be complacent!!!

    • Hmmm says:

      There is a need for you people to exercise a bit of common sense. Could an individual be denied entry into his country soley because he is ill? The answer is no. You people need to stop.

      Like 4
      Dislike 3
      • @Hmmm says:

        You sure about that? In the midst of a pandemic dont you think it would be a better exercise of common sense to quarantine the two in the country they are in before releasing them as opposed to jeopardising passengers, pilot and everybody else? No one denying them entry in their country…they just saying that as a matter of common sense it make more sense to go through the quarantine phase before travelling…hello?

  28. ... says:

    Local airline was the one that denied them access…thank god for rapid testing or else these cases would have cost the way of life to come to a halt again

    Like 6
    Dislike 1
  29. Get real says:

    All you people, wake up! You are all fool of sh***. You are creating chaos. There are sets of rules being followed so what is the matter? You need to know who has the virus so you can discriminate? You should all be ashamed of yourselves! You are all entitled, selfish!

    Like 7
    Dislike 1
  30. Hmmm says:

    If these persons tested positive WHY were being allowed to travel and why were they allowed to be among other persons. They should have been in quarantine as soon as the test came back positive. I thought this was how all countries were threating this thing. How can you allowed someone who tested posotive to fly on a plane and how come BVI accept this. That airl8ne that the came with should be grounded for daus and be well sanitized.

    Like 5
    Dislike 2
  31. Wow says:

    How can someone who tested positive be allowed to be among others. The country health department that they tested positive in should have been notified immediately to threat those persons.

    Like 5
    Dislike 1
  32. Intelligence Test says:

    These people are so stupid! They test positive, then still try to get on a flight to the BVI. Stop testing for the virus…we need to do an intelligence test. These stupid people are going to bring us all down. We spent all this pain and time killing the economy of the entire world. And now these dumb people are going to kill us!! We are even stupider if we let them into the BVI.

  33. Dumb People = bad says:

    These people are so stupid! They test positive, then still try to get on a flight to the BVI. Stop testing for the virus…we need to do an intelligence test. These stupid people are going to bring us all down. We spent all this pain and time killing the economy of the entire world. And now these dumb people are going to kill us!! We are even stupider if we let them into the BVI.

    Like 7
    Dislike 1
  34. Incredible! says:

    This is a clear failure on the government’s part and shows that there is no communication between the government and the airlines. If dominican Republic is one of the worst hit countries, why are they not on a prohibited list or why haven’t stronger measures for rapid testing been implemented at their borders. Seaborne that was also very irresponsible of you. What a mess!

    Like 14
    Dislike 1
  35. son of the soil says:

    If they aint born here don’t accept them because they are not locals

    Like 2
    Dislike 3
  36. Give us the facts says:

    The government (Premier and Health Commissioner) needs to get ahead of this and update us about what is happening. Unconfirmed rumors make it difficult for us all.

  37. Devon says:

    I don’t understand why an airline would let anyone fly being covid positive and possibly infect other passengers.

  38. Blame says:

    Yes alyo blame Island people now. Tek that. Tolan people to bright.

    Like 3
    Dislike 2
  39. So says:

    It is obvious that these 2 Coronavirus Positive people are VIPs. It is also obvious that a vast amount of special arrangements were made for them to enter the BVI, with them being known Positive. How many people were inconvenienced and perhaps exposed?

    Who paid for the most likely chartered flight? Will the next COVID19 Belonger be given the same VIP treatment to get home? Should they?

    Coming to the BVI Coronavirus Positive is madness, as they are suppose to be kept in quarantine with no visitors, and only if they become critically ill will they be welcome at the hospital if at all. Chances of their survival in the BVI, if they become critical are low.

    Time to pray for them and the people who run the BVI. Time for the truth to be told.

    Let Andrew man up and tell us what happened. So so’s family was about to get home and they got positive Covid19 test, and airline turned them away so ________ chartered a plane to bring them home. Tell us Andrew, how it went. Tell us how the flight and arrangements were made and executed. Tell us to end the rumor mill and to just clarify what happened.

    We living here have been through lock downs and crazy shopping days and social distancing and we deserve the respect of hearing what happened and why. We have done our parts with washing hands, masks and staying home the Govt. needs to explain what happened. We deserve to know. Is this procedure going to become the norm?? New normal? New regular?

    Finally, I want to wish the 2 sick people, speedy no complication recoveries.

    Like 3
    Dislike 4
  40. Concern says:

    The government to slack, need to stop de itpending on international counterparts to do them work, and just lying to the public that they have measured in place.

    Like 1
    Dislike 1
  41. 007 says:

    Wrong news!!! This article should be removed immediately and more effort taken in reporting facts instead of rumors

    Like 13
    Dislike 1
    • The lady that died says:

      The government is boasty about the best healthcare facilities.

      But why did they turn the lady who died away twice. And why is that not investigated?

      Like 5
      Dislike 4
    • Real Simple says:

      The original was a fear-mongering slash job. Do better.

  42. Concern citizen says:

    Listen right yall backwards see before yall let ppl come into the country make them have 14days lock down while them waiting on the day to come back or some s*** like that when them come in the country put them on 14days so we could be 100 percent becuz i ain able to go down in lock down for nobody nah and them carelessness nah and want to be wicked whether national or belongers i dont care..and yall got to be more caution when yall making ppl from countries that got how much hundreds and thousands of cases doe plz der whem them booking and places order for permission there make sure yall gave um ah warning nah cuz them and yall ain giing try f** up my free up nah

  43. Unemployed says:

    The opposition cannot be feeling too good today man. Probably he leak fake news and now it backfire so he mad?

  44. :) says:

    People get more upset at cartoons intended to be a parody than fake news causing dissection between ignorant readers. Look at all the comments! some unjustly blaming government, some spreading hate about foreigners and locals. Some people became worried. All because of rumors. A source is just another person. People tell lies or exaggerate things all time. Some times there is a bit of truth to it but parts of the story were altered.

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