The ease in restriction was announced by Minister of Health and Social Development, Hon Carvin Malone (AL) during a statement on Friday, April 23, 2021.

PCR test still required on Day Zero

“Effective 15th May 2021, fully vaccinated persons travelling from overseas would require a PCR test within five (5) days of travel, provide satisfactory evidence of being fully vaccinated, and will be subject to a PCR test upon arrival (day zero),” he said.

“Fully vaccinated persons will be quarantined until a negative test result is received from the BVI Health Services Authority. In other words, if the test administered on arrival returns a negative result, the fully vaccinated traveller will be immediately released from quarantine (unless they have been in close contact with a positive case),” Hon Maline said.

Additionally, Hon Malone announced that Cabinet also decided that effective May 15, 2021, more rules for vaccinated persons in the territory.

“Fully vaccinated persons who have been present in the Virgin Islands for a period of more than fourteen (14) consecutive days and travel to the USVI, St. Martin, or Puerto Rico for a period not longer than 24 hours are exempted from quarantine and the COVID-19 test upon re-entering the Territory.”

He said, however, day-trippers to the mentioned neighbouring jurisdictions would be required to take a PCR test seven (7) days after returning to the Territory.

Hon Carvin Malone said day-trippers to the neighbouring jurisdictions would be required to take a PCR test seven (7) days after returning to the Virgin Islands.

Restrictions on gathering

The Minister also announced new restrictions on the assembly of persons, via the Public Health (COVID-19 Control and Suppression Measures) (No. 3) Order, 2021 that came into effect on Friday.

“Gatherings among vulnerable persons are not to exceed five persons, as certified by the Chief Environmental Health Officer. All other gatherings are limited to one person per sixty-four square feet and shall not exceed two hundred persons at any given time; except or faith-based services; graduation ceremonies; wedding ceremonies; or funerals, which shall not exceed two hundred and fifty persons.”

Hon Malone said in relaxing the travel requirements for persons who have been fully vaccinated and permitting larger gatherings, there will be an increased risk of exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19 among the resident population.