Beautiful Virgin Islands

Tuesday, Jun 03, 2025

Rapid testing now officially part of VI’s COVID-19 screening process

Rapid testing now officially part of VI’s COVID-19 screening process

Rapid antigen testing is now officially part of the Territory’s COVID 19 screening process. This alternative coronavirus testing option was rolled out on Friday, July 23, 2021, at the Road Town Ferry terminal.
Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Carvin Malone (AL) was onsite to witness the rollout; and announced that he is happy that the Territory is finally able to offer a faster COVID testing option. He said that he welcomes the implementation of rapid tests because it is a great addition to the current offering. “It will save lives, save hospitalizations; and save the anguish that families are going through.”

The Minister of Health announced that only approved antigen tests will be used by the Ministry and by extension the BVI Health Services Authority. “We have a supply of antigen tests and we are going to administer them at the airport, and at the seaports.”

In addition to these new rapid tests, Hon. Malone said that efforts are going to continue to make arrival to the Territory during this COVID era seamless. “We’re seeking out ways in which we can get it done -- even beyond the 15 minutes so that you could be in out. We have to make sure that when persons come into the society that they are also deemed safe. This is what this is all about, without too much of the inconvenience.”

Senior Medical Officer Dr Shaun Ramroop explained that only vaccinated travelers will be able to use the rapid tests. He noted, “When you arrive at the desk a determination will be made as to your vaccination status. If you are fully vaccinated you will get a number. That number will be written on your test card and we will do a rapid antigen test. Then in 15 minutes time, you will be informed of the results. If you test negative you are allowed to move through the process of Immigration and Customs. If you test positive, then you will have a PCR confirmation test done.”

Dr Ramroop also explained that persons who are given a PCR test will be informed of their test results using public health measures.

The rapid tests currently being used at the VI ports of entry are the same being utilised in the USVI. The VI’s current stock of tests includes some that were gifted by the USVI and the United Kingdom (15,000). The remaining quantity (15000) was purchased by the government of the VI.

The United States Virgin Islands sent COVID support personnel to the Territory last week to help with the laboratory and the antigen tests.
Newsletter

Related Articles

Beautiful Virgin Islands
0:00
0:00
Close
Harvard Urges US to Unfreeze Funds for Public Health Research
Businessman Mauled by Lion at Luxury Namibian Lodge
Researchers Consider New Destinations Beyond the U.S.
53-Year-Old Doctor Claims Biological Age of 23
Trump Struggles to Secure Trade Deals With China and Europe
Russia to Return 6,000 Corpses Under Ukraine Prisoner Swap Deal
Microsoft Lays Off Hundreds More Amid Restructuring
Harvey Weinstein’s Publicist Embraces Notoriety
Macron and Meloni Seek Unity Despite Tensions
Trump Administration Accused of Obstructing Deportation Cases
Newark Mayor Sues Over Arrest at Immigration Facility
Center-Left Candidate Projected to Win South Korean Presidency
Trump’s Tariffs Predicted to Stall Global Economic Growth
South Korea’s President-Elect Expected to Take Softer Line on Trump and North Korea
Trump’s China Strategy Remains a Geopolitical Puzzle
Ukraine Executes Long-Range Drone Strikes on Russian Airbases
Conservative Karol Nawrocki wins Poland’s presidential election
Study Identifies Potential Radicalization Risk Among Over One Million Muslims in Germany
Good news: Annalena Baerbock Elected President of the UN General Assembly
Apple Appeals EU Law Over User Data Sharing Requirements
South Africa: "First Black Bank" Collapses after Being Looted by Owners
Poland will now withdraw from the EU migration pact after pro-Trump nationalist wins Election
"That's Disgusting, Don’t Say It Again": The Trump Joke That Made the President Boil
Trump Cancels NASA Nominee Over Democratic Donations
Paris Saint-Germain's Greatest Triumph Is Football’s Lowest Point
OnlyFans for Sale: From Lockdown Lifeline to Eight-Billion-Dollar Empire
Mayor’s Security Officer Implicated | Shocking New Details Emerge in NYC Kidnapping Case
Hegseth Warns of Potential Chinese Military Action Against Taiwan
OPEC+ Agrees to Increase Oil Output for Third Consecutive Month
Jamie Dimon Warns U.S. Bond Market Faces Pressure from Rising Debt
Turkey Detains Istanbul Officials Amid Anti-Corruption Crackdown
Taylor Swift Gains Ownership of Her First Six Albums
Bangkok Ranked World's Top City for Remote Work in 2025
Satirical Sketch Sparks Political Spouse Feud in South Korea
Indonesia Quarry Collapse Leaves Multiple Dead and Missing
South Korean Election Video Pulled Amid Misogyny Outcry
Asian Economies Shift Away from US Dollar Amid Trade Tensions
Netflix Investigates Allegations of On-Set Mistreatment in K-Drama Production
US Defence Chief Reaffirms Strong Ties with Singapore Amid Regional Tensions
Vietnam Faces Strategic Dilemma Over China's Mekong River Projects
Malaysia's First AI Preacher Sparks Debate on Islamic Principles
White House Press Secretary Criticizes Harvard Funding, Advocates for Vocational Training
France to Implement Nationwide Smoking Ban in Outdoor Spaces Frequented by Children
Meta and Anduril Collaborate on AI-Driven Military Augmented Reality Systems
Russia's Fossil Fuel Revenues Approach €900 Billion Since Ukraine Invasion
U.S. Justice Department Reduces American Bar Association's Role in Judicial Nominations
U.S. Department of Energy Unveils 'Doudna' Supercomputer to Advance AI Research
U.S. SEC Dismisses Lawsuit Against Binance Amid Regulatory Shift
Alcohol Industry Faces Increased Scrutiny Amid Health Concerns
Italy Faces Population Decline Amid Youth Emigration
×