BVI COVID/Reopening Status - Updates, Missing Quito!

[blue_water]

We’ve all been following the COVID situation in the different Caribbean nations, and with the cruise hiatus many on these forums are now contemplating land vacations when they feel it is safe enough for that. Some Caribbean nations have opened to international tourists who have evidence of a negative test result, while others like the BVI are in strict lockdown. As reported here and in other forums there is a vague expectation - or hope - that residents, land owners, and workers will be allowed to enter (via EIS airport only) sometime in November if the number of confirmed cases remained low here. These residents and others would still be required to quarantine for 14 days under security.

A report of 10 newly confirmed cases was just shared, and the cause is being attributed to one or more persons being smuggled into the BVI from St Thomas, and testing is taking place in the areas affected. You probably know that St Thomas has experienced a spike in confirmed cases since opening up to tourists from the US and elsewhere, and that St Thomas just returned to a stay-at-home status as a result of this increase in confirmed cases there.

 

So awaiting more details on this new development and the impact it may have on the eventual reopening. Feel free to add any updates on the BVI-reopening that you come across as well...

In the meantime Quito Rymer’s music is there for us...

 

Miss “My Tortola”, and looking forward to that “Caribbean Run”! 🥰
 

 

 

[blue_water]

Learned from residents there are currently 52 active cases of COVID-19. 63 total cases to date, 1 death, 10 recoveries and 2 in hospital but not serious.

 

So still hoping the November 1 date holds, at least for Belongers and other residents to return, and eventually tourists...

[blue_water]

Expecting an update this Monday on a potential opening to tourists...stay tuned!

[blue_water]

We have a date for international visitors to enter the BVI but it is still unclear whether this applies only to airport arrivals, or if restrictions will also be lifted for ferry and cruise ship arrivals...stay tuned!

https://bvi.gov.vg/media-centre/bvi-reopens-visitors-december-1

 

 

 

 

 

Edited September 22, 2020 by blue_water

[blue_water]

The government is still meeting with stakeholders to finalize the requirements for the Dec 1 reopening.  There are currently zero active cases in the BVI(!), and the big question for everyone planning to visit these islands is the testing and quarantine requirements that will be imposed to prevent a spread of the virus.
 

Currently the only entry point being considered is flying into EIS, and the testing/quarantine requirements being proposed are a hurdle even to visitors who normally spend one night on an island before sailing for a week or two. So day visitors from the USVI - and of course cruise ship passengers - would not be able to visit the BVI due to the strict arrival requirements.

 

This week the curfew was extended to midnight and bars and nightclubs were allowed to open. So we will see if this has an impact on active cases, and how likely it will be tha day visitors will be allowed to arrive, by ferry from the USVI at least...

[blue_water]

So just a quick update...

Visitors who can work with the entry requirements are now flying into EIS for land or boating vacations. A minimum stay of 5 nights is required with a negative test prior to arrival, at arrival, and after 4 days in quarantine. 

Waiting “patiently” for cruising to return!