"For the period August 15th through September 30th Government quarantine accommodations will continue to be provided at no cost to all returning persons, regardless of immigration status," Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Carvin Malone (AL) announced last evening, August 17, 2020.

The move comes following a Saturday, March 14, 2020, announcement that all qualified persons, regardless of immigration status, required to quarantine in government accommodation upon return to the Territory, will be required to contribute towards the cost of quarantine as of 1st October 2020.

$2,500 fee from October only

"We also decided that all qualified persons, except for Virgin Islanders, Belongers, Permanent Residents and Naturalised Citizens, will contribute toward the costs for government quarantine accommodation, 24-hour security and meals in the amount of $2,500, with effect from 1st October 2020," Premier Andrew A. Fahie (R1) had said at the weekend.

Persons opting to stay in private quarantine facilities will still have to pay some $3,500 per household, to contribute to the cost of security and other administrative expenses, the Premier said.

This fee is applicable except for reasons such as medical or as otherwise exceptionally authorised by the Minister for Health; once private quarantine is selected.

The VI now has two active cases of COVID-19, bringing the total to 11, inclusive of 1 death as of August 17, 2020.