Visitors won’t be able to roam freely immediately after quarantine
Tourists who visit the BVI after December 1, will not be allowed to immediately roam the territory freely upon their release from the government’s mandatory four-day quarantine.
Premier Andrew Fahie made this announcement Monday night, October 26, while outlining several protocols that will govern the tourism industry amid the COVID-19 pandemic sweeping the world.
“For the first four days, travellers would be required to remain within the compound of their accommodation and to avoid or minimise contact with others outside of their party, as well as to keep their movement to a minimum. The properties would be required to put measures in place to manage crowd control and social distancing, as per the mandated protocols,” Premier Fahie explained.
Restricted movement to designated places
Once they test negative for COVID-19 on the fourth day of quarantine, visitors would be allowed “restricted movement to designated places”.
“These would be locations that are not high-traffic or high-risk. These locations are being coordinated by Environmental Health and other government agencies and the establishments will be notified,” Premier Fahie assured.
Visitors are also mandated to do Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing (to screen for COVID-19) before arrival in the BVI and immediately after landing.
The last COVID test
The Premier explained that a final PCR test would be administered on Day 8. And once this test also returns negative, the traveller would be able to move within the territory, without limitation.
However, visitors will be required to have their mobile device with them at all times. Their mobile devices will have a COVID-19 tracing software that all visitors must download immediately after landing in the BVI.
“This is for their own protection, as well as the safety of others,” Premier Fahie explained.
Last week, the government said it is aware that businesses will not be able to maximize profits with the four-day quarantine policy that has been put in place. But Health Minister Carvin Malone said it is the best option the territory has seen after examining protocols from other countries in the region and around the world.
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Sounds like a great holiday.
I think I’ll pass
Once a tourist leaves the BVI and finds a new spot in the Caribbean they won’t be back. Stupid government people. Listen up!! You think your so smart. You’re not. Resign or the people need to remove you all from office. You are killing us all.
THIS IS REAL MESSY,MESS UP.3
A few weeks ago I went to Antigua. I had a PCR Covid test a few days before I arrived. Showed my certificate at the airport and off I went to the beach. No restrictions, no monitoring, no problems. And no Covid. Everything a Caribbean vacation should be. Who is going to go to Prison Camp Stalag BVI ?
No one is who?
Antigua 40 BVI Love
Sounds like the government has decided to make Covid a for profit venture. Charge for multiple Covid tests. Charge for monitoring. Charge for quarantine. Charge, charge, charge. Just like the Belonger to take a international pandemic and turn it into a method of income for the few. You are truly a disgraceful people. Your time is coming.
This is the sign of a D*****or in power. Keep everyone out of the land and beat the people down until they only have what he provides. The coming days are dark for the people of the BVI. BVILOVE is a sham. The people need to unite and oust this Dictator before it’s too late. If you wait till the next election your fate will be sealed.
This is the dumbest plan I have ever heard of. The BVI could say good bye to its tourism product. No one in their right mind would subject themselves to that level of foolishness. I have some questions..
1. What is the industry standards for COVID-19 testing during the incubation period? Is the government’s proposal inline with the required standard?
2. Does the government’s proposal infringe on an one’s Human Right?
3. What is the point of testing before entry, at the point of entry if you are still required to quarantine and still have to self-isolate after quarantine?
4. Are they aware of how painful the COVID-19 test?
We are just simply pushing our tourist to other destinations. JUST SHAMEFUL
The only hope is for the Brits to intervene and place an interim government. The BVI is on less than shaky ground financially which gives the aBrits the right to intervene. Not asking for the Brits to stay but they are the only hope with what this Di****or is doing. Bring in the Royal amarines!! Governor where are you? Please help!!! This cannot go on.
Look at Brit now, in chaos!
Ok I’ll be across the way in St John enjoying my vacation on day 1
Go u and ur covid enjoy!!
I guess the D stands for dumb. Your remark is a brilliant statement of all Belongers. I hope the US stops allowing export of food to your lazy a**es.
Just as your statement implies all US citizens are idiots and racisits
I canceled my charter in the BVI and leaving out of Red Hook
Remember BVI Government, St. John is just as beautiful!!
Seems like a tricky way to quarantine for 8 days But why the 3 test in 8 days that’s excessive.. really unnecessary..No other country is doing this. Just be honest and say 8 days quarantine and reduce the testing to 2.. People are not fools. This is not good..
There is little to add to all that has been said. But even us non Belongers who live and own in the BVI will not be with you this year. No grocery shopping, no dinners out, no boat rentals and no purchases at all. Where is someone strong enough for counteract this suicidal policy?
Dont even bother opening. This is BS
Cancelling our December trip today. So long BVI! Other Caribbean destinations appreciate their tourists.
Visitors won’t be able to roam freely…
You seriously believe any will come at all? Forget it.
First the tourists, then the boats, then the people will be gone. Finally the money wont even bother to come. This is what we waited months for?
Cancelling then, can’t imagine anyone will put up with that on a 7 day trip. I get it though, for such a small country, but why not just wait it out until vaccine available rather than leave everyone hanging for so long.
So let’s discuss the great Foy mandate. A tourist has to take a Covid test before arriving, a test upon arrival, a test 4 days after arrival and another if they stay 8 days. So that’s $600 in tests per person. Then there is the phone app monitoring. We all know that the Foy ain’t doin that for free. Now let’s say you stay in a Villa. First, the Villa needs to be approved. Second, you can’t rent a car so an approved taxi or whatever to the Villa. No food shopping or restaurants so you have to rely on someone I guess to bring you food that you cook. 4 days like this out of 7. Then the remaining 3 you are limited as to where your able to go. Now let’s look at one of the Foy’s Covid tests showing a false positive for a person at a Villa. Now the entire Villa is in quarantine. For how long? At what cost for government security? How do you get food? This is a nightmare not a vacation. The same hold true for yachts. Do yourselves a favor and go elsewhere. You’re not welcome in the BVI. There is no BVILOVE.
I totally agree with all that you have said. You only forgot the cost of travel insurance required of all visitors. Another added expense.
We villa owners have no clue as to how to get “approved “. How about I keep my house clean as usual. What are the issue? Just more complications and confusion not to mention stress. I have to keep thinking that something is going to have to break because the BVI cannot last much longer going in this direction. Govt has indeed met with stakeholders which have raised all these concerns about the basis for this plan but apparently it went in one ear and out the other or it was just a play fake to make us think we had some influence. Not so much. They can try this stupidity and maybe after a week or two they will see it’s dumb and not going to work. It’s a Rube Goldberg plan indeed. Just hope my funds don’t run out before you decide to get your heads out your backsides because banks will have a ton of foreclosures on their hands. And anyone thinking to invest a dime will run for the hills !
The government has ruined your country. I feel sorry for my friends in the BVIs. This is going to be hard to recover from. COVID-19 is nothing more than the flu. We just live our life as normal.
The last time I turned my cell phone on in BVI, I got $200. roaming charges…..I never turn on my cell phone here. My state provider kills me with roaming charges. Use email..it its free.
Its bluetooth only uses your battery life up. Its already on your phone
@funny: You’re only slightly right and mostly wrong.
What happens when I refuse to turn on my cell phone? It would cost me $$$$ I don’t want to pay for a International phone plan for my week vacation. Just another cost to arrive. Not coming, sorry.
I will reserve my comments until we get a sensible government
This policy should at least help the nose surgeons in the Territory.
With this COVID-19 situation, BVI reminds me of that smarty-pants A+ student in school who never made the transition to real life as an adult and is now an unemployed failure!
Get me out of this territory. This government has gone mad. Looking up flights now.
ITS MORE OBVIOUS NOW THAT THE VIP WAS A BAD CHOICE
These protocols are not realistic.
This is effectively an 8 day quarantine for a tourist. Why would anyone subject themselves to this.
3 tests in 8 days? What is the current turnaround time for a PCR test in the territory?
I guess the cruise ship passengers will just get to sit at the dock and look out at the island. Not going to test 4000 people who might get off and “roam” around for the day.
What if you have already had Covid and want to come? Are you still subject to these protocols?
I imagine that many if not most of the hospitality related businesses will fail.
So sad for all of our friends in the Islands.
People of the BVI wake up and let us all come together to remove this c***y man from his position.
He is taking the BVI down,“ how can anyone with a bit of brain can think that this BS is going to work this is no BVI Love. Premier Andrew Fahie is leading the BVI into a very dark place.
I will not be spending my hard earned MONEY ON A VACATION WHERE I HAVE TO BE CAGED UP LIKE AN ANIMAL NOT BEING ABLE TO ROAM AROUND THE ISLAND ENJOYING THE SITES. I HAVE SINCE RE BOOKED MY VACATION TO ST. LUCIA FOR TWO WEEKS.
I am a villa owner, guests have already canceled December through February nobody is going to go through all of that for a one week vacation!
In addition to the above requirements you will also need a joint doctorate in astrophysics and microbiology, a current Nobel Prize certificate and proof of having been to the moon and having climbed Mount Everest on consecutive days…..
Does anyone know what Foy’s real agenda is? Does he want to shut down tourism forever? Clearly, but why?
What a dis*****t man with his BVILOVE nonsens.
#BVIBROKE
My family of 4 and I had booked a Vacation to the BVI starting from December 2nd to December 16th, we have since changed our plans and decided to Vacation in ST.Thomas and ST. John. Less stress.
I dont know for most of you, but I blog hoping to make a difference, I offer suggestions forward out of love and care for country like so many of u do,,.Its hard trying to talk to a Rock stone, or ask a Bull to read, or to get a Pitt Bull to reason…This nonsensical plan with no kind of wisdom or vision attached to it is my final straw…Im out..
That is one of the main problems, no one in charge wants to hear or listen to the PEOPLES SUGGESTIONS.
Our charter boat company (a large one in BVIs) is allowing us to move our charter to the Bahamas. They also stated they are moving all of their boats out of the BVIs. I assume all other companies will as well. This is the end of sailing in the BVIs.
you get the government you deserve
I glad for them.
No disrespect but are these people who are making the rules educated? CRAZINESS no where in the world is doing this madness! JUST STAY CLOSE WHY BOTHER TO OPEN WITH THIS BS!!!
nope,nope,nope See ya. I’m outta here and I’m taking my money with me.
I left on Saturday… sold up everything and now gone due to the way the BVI treat outsiders..
This is the Government’s plan, to drive us away so locals can get all of the pie !
@ Earl
So locals can get all of what pie? I am from Tortola and has never felt like I need to find some place else to live until now. So, Earl there is no pie to get unless you’re on Andrew elitis list, and it’s a very short list.
Now it is clear why there is no stamp duty land tax for belongers.
Sounds like he WANTS to run a lot of BVI businesses into the ground, so his cronies can snatch them up on the cheap. Either that or he is just plain st***d. No other explanation makes sense
Our vacation to Virgin Gordo is scheduled for April 2 through the 13th. Any feeling if these ridiculous protocols will still be in place then?
Have vacation April 2-13 in virgin Gorda. Any feelings for whether these ridiculous protocols will still be in place at that time if so I need to cancel.
Cancel before it’s too late. Once there is a sign of Covid again Foy will lock down the Territory and no one will be coming. You can rest assured that there will be many false positives through the testing he is using from Somalia.
Pure and utter rubbish. Very sad and unfortunate.
No one wants to get COVID and anyone looking to take a vacation, fly on a plane and visit and area where there are bound to be people congregating are taking a calculated risk. We were all set to self-isolate for 14 days before departure, take the tests and ensure proper distancing and mask wearing once there. We were booked to spend $27,500 on the charter yacht alone and would ensure minimal contact but the protocols announced are without any reasonable basis and a complete overreach. Be honest and just stay closed until there is a vaccine. How a government that professes to have limited resources could possibly expect to be able to administer this complex a plan defies simple logic. Wow is the only statement that fits. We cancelled and to the people of the BVI, we wish you the best. We loved the place for nearly 20 years and donated significantly after the hurricanes ravaged your lovely islands. The pandemic is in some ways an act of nature too but your problems now are purely manmade. We would love to be able to help but your government just does not make that possible. You should ask though who stands to profit from providing all that training, doing all that testing and collecting all the fees and certification monies.
Well Andrew Fahie has single handedly kill Tourism in the BVI. Kudos to Andrew Fahie. Great job. Maybe you want BVI for just you and your family. You’re on your way dude.
Just wait until they start making funny lookin babies again.
FOY F***ED UP THIS YEARS TOURIST SEASON REAL BAD. AFTER WHAT YOU HAVE TO GO THROUGH TO GET TO THE BVI ON VACATION, PEOPLE PANIC AFTER HEARING THAT YOU HAVE TO GO IN ISOLATION FOR 4 DAYS BEFORE BEING ABLE TO ENJOY YOUR VACATION.
The BVI is now a real pirate as it is standing on 1 leg as the 2nd pillar is now crushed and useless, charter fleets not just boats but fleets are leaving.
The government will drain the FS next and then why? They cry for independence but cannot run the country.
Time to sell up and ship out and i’m from here!
Rarely, if ever, have I witnessed such monumental incompetence. The more I see the more it seems that Foy and his small group of trusted lieutenants just come up with this BS clean off the top of their heads with absolute disregard for the opinions of experts, industry stakeholders, doctors or scientists. Their half-baked crackpot ideas are a slap in the face of all people who live and work on these beautiful islands and will certainly result in great damage to the BVI for decades to come, but what do they care? And yet, while such disregard for a nation and its people by their leaders wouldn’t (and isn’t) accepted in other parts of the world, it seems here the people of the Virgin Islands just moan a little, accept that the policies will cause absolute economic and social disaster and then continue to bow down at the feet of Great King Foy. Are you serious!? People of other nations are demonstrating and marching in the streets for much less, but it seems we are either all too scared or too lazy to do anything about it here. BVI strong? What a joke. RIP BVI.
Need to ride up people against your government, entice the Brits to come in.
Stand up to your government before its too late! The economy will crash if this is enforeced!
Woow. what a disaster this is for the BVI’s.
Isolation is not the same as vacation:))
Sorry to say but, it is just not worth it to have to go on Quarantine from your City of departure for fourteen days, two COVID test which is not cheap showing up negative, get to the airport and have a temp check before you can board the plane. Once on the plane, you have to have a mask on the entire flight. Then when you get to your destination you have to be isolated and cannot enjoy the Island? Both the Tourist and the Country is going to lose money.
I will be spending my 2 weeks Winter Vacation in Antigua. Less stress and I don’t have to be restricted. Sorry BVI for bailing out this Year.
I’ll have to spend my thousands of vacation dollars elsewhere. Too bad as we love the BVI and the people.
No love for the way your government functions however.
Good luck.
THIS ALONE DONE STOP MOST TOURIST FROM DISEMBARKING ON BVI SOIL.
WHAT A PUZZLE TO FIX.
WHAT A CROSS.
THEY WAKE UP ON THE WRONG SIDE THIS TIME.
Tourist comes to enjoy the tropical sun. Not to be lockdown in a cell like hardline criminals.
BREXIT COMING DECEMBER. SOON VIPEXIT.
Brexit already happened last January
Mugabe’s plan won’t work. It just won’t work
Isn’t the BVI part of CARICOM TRAVEL BUBBLE? Where is then the soft protocol like Antigua or Dominica.
I am very disappointed with this decision. The government is making a big deal out of a flu like virus. Like President Trump says.. DO NOT LET THIS VIRUS CONTROL YOUR LIFE! Get tourist to the islands before there is no hope left!
So sorry for my BVI friends. I have cherished your waters for many years. I came here with my family in the 80’s, my children in the 90”s and my grandchildren in the 2010’s. I’m cancelling our vacation and going to the Grendines. We are forced to forge new friends there and take our business were we are welcomed. It willl be exciting to open new experiences and sad to leave old memories.
FOY followers is mighty quiet because they know he screwed this one up and there is no explanation behind this. From what I understand, a plan was put in place six months ago, where is the plan? Vacationers have canceled their trips to the BVI and prefer to Vacation in the USVI OR ANOTHER CARIBBEAN ISLAND.
We had a family reunion scheduled for January with Moorings. 6 boats 10 days. 22 people. I just got off the phone with my charterrep and cancelled the entire trip. There was no way we could adhere to this plan. Especially with kids.
The fees alone for this idiotic plan would have added another $50k to our plans. Are you that stupid BVI?
We rebooked for the Bahamas.
I am sorry BVI but there is no more love. Your tourism is in shambles and you are not open for business.
To the people of BVI, those who care for your country, you need to make hard decisions.
This is what we voted for so we have to live with it because we were so dumb talking about we only need indigenous people in our government. Wa we bawling fa? I don’t think people are looking at the real estate website, so many Villa and apartments up for sale. I’m here wondering why, I hope the people government is watching.
After hearing about these opening protocols, I too will not be coming over!
Five hundred bucks to pay before landing and you’re still on the dock, not going anywhere?
Nope!
I will have to wait out the year..or two!