MINISTER FOR HEALTH AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
HONOURABLE CARVIN MALONE
COVID-19
ADJUST COVID-19 PUBLIC HEALTH MEASURES
TO SUPPORT CONTINUED SAFE REOPENING
10th JUNE 2021
Logical Epidemiological Summary
A total of 52,480 test were conducted
A total of 295 cases, with 291 recoveries and 1 death
3 active positive cases
“As we continue our phased reopening of the BVI to international travelers, we must remain fully aware of the realities around us. We cannot be paralyzed with fear-but at the same time we have to take stock of the real possibilities that can happen when COVID-19 is able to get past the stop gaps put in place for the safety of ourselves, our families, and our territory that we love so dear.”
Vaccination Roll Out Numbers
“Of the 34,000 doses of vaccines which were donated to the British Virgin Islands by the United Kingdom Government, we had anticipated that 17,000 persons would be able to have free access to two doses of vaccines per person.’’
12,245 first doses administered
7,289 second doses administered
An analysis of these totals shows that:
§ On Tortola, 10,217 first doses and 6,217 second doses
§ On Virgin Gorda 1,815 first doses and 974 doses second doses
§ On Jost Van Dyke 98 first doses and 50 second doses
§ On Anegada 115 first doses and 48 second doses
“I was hoping by now that our first dose numbers would be significantly higher; at least in the 15,000 persons range (a mere 2000 persons away from our 17,000 goal). But we are not there yet! There is still some ways to go, but the reality is time is not on our side!’’
THE CURRENT STOCKS OF VACCINES WE HAVE AVAILABLE IN THE TERRITORY ARE SET TO EXPIRE BY JULY 31, 2021.
“That means in order for us to be effectively use the vaccines in stock persons still expected to receive their first dose can do so no later than July 3rd, 2021. Again, I must appeal to all residents and stakeholders in this Territory, who are eagerly anticipating a measured yet
Unrestricted reopening of all our borders; we MUST take this vaccine roll out seriously!
We are pleased to welcome Professor Ian Cummings of Public Health England to the Territory as he conduct an assessment of our COVID-19 measures and offer recommendation not only for laboratory improvements but also of his experience as he travels throughout the British Overseas Territories.”
Updated Cabinet Decisions Effective on 15th June
At a Cabinet Meeting held on Wednesday the 9th of May, the HEOC team proposed additional adjustments to our COVID-19 public health measures to support the continued safe reopening of the Territory. Several changes were suggested and approved by Cabinet allowing additional amendments to entry requirements, particularly for vaccinated travellers.
Subsequent changes which are expected to take effect by 15th June 2021.
§ Cabinet has decided that fully vaccinated persons travelling from overseas would be required to provide an RT-PCR test or an approved rapid antigen test within five (5) days of arrival and provide satisfactory evidence of being fully vaccinated.
§ Cabinet further decided that fully vaccinated travellers would no longer be subject to PCR testing on arrival (day zero) and resultantly NO quarantine time would be required save for that ordered by a Quarantine Officer as a result of their entry screening.
§ In addition, effective 15th June, 2021, Cabinet decided that partially vaccinated persons travelling from overseas would require a PCR test within (5) days of travel; provided satisfactory evidence of being partially vaccinated, and will be subject to a PCR test or rapid antigen test upon arrival in the Territory (day zero) and quarantined for a period of (4) days.
§ In light of these decisions, Cabinet further decided that the Gateway administrative fee reduced from $105.00 to no more than thirty-five ($35) for fully vaccinated travellers.
§ For flight and vessel crews who are fully vaccinated, Cabinet decided that these persons would no longer be required to conduct bi-weekly screening and testing, but should self- monitor and report any symptoms of or recent exposure to COVID-19.
“For the record, I think it is important to emphasis that these decisions will take effect from June 15th, 2021. All things being equal, we anticipate that the revision of the entry portal to effect these changes will be a work in progress. We therefore ask travellers to be patient with us as we anticipate there will be processing issues in light of these amendments. Safety must remain our first priority for this Territory and we can crave your indulgence during this period.”
Cabinet Decisions that remain in effect since 15th May
Decisions taken and reported during my last presentation on 13th May still remain in effect. Let highlight these again for the benefit of everyone:
1) Where fully vaccinated persons are travelling with one or more unvaccinated child:
§ Children aged 5-17 will be tested on arrival;
§ Children will remain in with their fully vaccinated parents/guardians while awaiting their test results.
§ Unvaccinated children will be required to return to a testing center and be subjected to a further test on day four.
2) The quarantine period of unvaccinated travelers has been extended from four (4) days to seven (7) days. This still remains in effect.
3) Where people are traveling with mixed groups with some individuals unvaccinated, the party of unvaccinated individuals will be expected to be quarantined for 7 days upon arrival. The exemptions recently approved will only apply to the vaccinated persons in that party.
Updated Outgoing Day Tripper Protocols
The recent decisions taken by Cabinet will also effect some additional changes particularly for ‘outgoing day trippers.’ Persons who now wish to travel to the US Virgin Islands, St .Maarten, or Puerto Rico for any period, as long as they take a PCR test seven days after returning to the Territory. However, children aged 5 to 17 travelling with their parents on the day trip will be required to take a RT-PCR test 7 days from their travel.
“As we continue to live, work and thrive in this COVID era, I will continue to sound the alarm that vaccination is our best defense against this pandemic. And as the decisions announced today would have shown, there will be benefits derived for persons fully vaccinated; even for persons living in and visiting these islands. I will continue to reiterate the fact that new, more aggressive strains continue to emerge, as the virus mutates and spreads rapidly from one region to another, increasing the risk of severe illness and death. The reality is none of us know how the virus will affect us. We simply must be vigilant and do the next best thing, get VACCINATED! Protect yourself, your loved ones and our economy! Remember VIGILANCE now more than ever! We cannot let our guards down! Can we reopen- YES we can! Gradually with all the necessary protocols and precautionary measures! Will we reopen? – YES we will! With the support and diligence of you the PEOPLE! Must we reopen? – YES we must! Our livelihoods depend on it!”