The Authority is therefore urging the travelling public to make appointments to be tested three days before their departure date.

According to the BVIHSA, persons would appear at the hospital for testing sometimes one day before to their scheduled flight.

“As a result, there are more people being tested with wrong spellings, incorrect dates of birth and even wrong gender on their paperwork,” Medical Officer Dr Christine Harry explained.

She added: “The laboratory team will not correct any results already printed, if the paperwork is submitted with inaccuracies.”

How to book appointments?

The BVIHSA also outlined the procedure all persons must follow to ensure they successfully book their appointment.

The Authority said: “Persons requiring a COVID-19 test for travel purposes are asked to email covidrrt@bvihsa.vg within three days of scheduled travel. A form will be emailed to the sender to be completed with details needed to make the appointment.”

“If more than one person is travelling, one form must be completed for each traveller. Individuals are asked to ensure that all the information included on the form is spelt correctly and is accurate,” the BVIHSA added.

The processing of results takes 24 to 36 hours and the cost of each test is $70.

The BVIHSA is also encouraging persons needing a COVID test for medical purposes to also make an appointment and follow the exact guidelines.