TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums British Virgin Islands "Tourism could resume in September" - BVI Gov

Ahoy Captains,

So far only one Source for this issue –
https://bvinews.com/limited-tourism-could-resume-in-september-immigration-minister/
But, it reinforces the logic recognized by the BVI Gov in mid-May.
https://bvinews.com/penn-pitches-se...ographical-edge-to-manage-covid-he-says/

The BVI Gov now have the manpower to facilitate the high-impact testing of tourism –
https://www.bviplatinum.com/news.php?articleId=31842
http://www.virginislandsnewsonline.com/en/news/cuban-medical-professionals-arrive-in-vi
The arrival of the Cuban medical team has been proposed for many weeks so their arrival, and the expense of their salaries and food and lodging, could indicate preparations for more travel and tourism soon.

The BVI Gov has tested their Emergency response to a potential outbreak in JVD, with over 300 persons tested within 72 hours. Thankfully the initial positive test was a False positive in SVG, and everyone tested in the BVI was Negative.
https://www.bviplatinum.com/news.php?articleId=31843
https://bvinews.com/jvd-cleared-govt-revokes-24-hour-lockdown/
This response was supported by the Equipment the BVI Gov now has operational to support large scale and short term testing –
https://bvi.gov.vg/media-centre/lab-receives-new-equipment-enhance-covid-19-testing
And a large scale reserve of testing kits has been ordered –
https://bvi.org/bvi-now-seeking-20-000-additional-covid-19-test-kits-malone-bvi-news
http://www.virginislandsnewsonline....om-vi-to-svg-tests-positive-for-covid-19

No paradigm has been proposed for safe travel into the BVI yet.
It may be similar to the restrictions in the USVI –
https://viconsortium.com/vi-coronav...t-down-at-midnight-until-further-notice-
However, if PCR tests are the basic criteria for travel, then most people with the resources for a vacation in the BVI should be able to source a PCR test –
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1PaaeWz43Y
And insurance –
https://www.insuremytrip.com/travel-insurance-plans-coverages/coronavirus-travel-insurance/
https://www.cnbc.com/2020/06/21/tra...ovid-19-domestic-road-trip-coverage.html
And with over 2 months to go before the start of the ‘20/’21 Yacht Charter season and many improvements in the Testing, Treatment, and Prevention –
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/20/world/covid-coronavirus-vaccine.html
https://www.cnbc.com/2020/07/27/the...ple-to-see-if-the-shots-really-work.html
We are all looking forward in a few months to “No Mask, No Distancing … No Shoes, No Shirt … No Problem” on a Yacht in the BVI.

Please, I understand that it is a cornerstone of the InterWebs to ‘Race to the Bottom’. I hope most of these Conditions will Change as they respond to the Medical and Economic conditions Changing.
Hopefully, some ‘Changes in Latitudes’ will help with all our ‘Changes in Attitudes’ soon.

Fair Winds, Brent from The Captains Compass

Wow, that is a really good amount of information you compiled together in one place. I am hopeful the latest information about Tourism is in fact, able to happen. Both for the business that are suffering currently, and for those of us who so miss the ability to feel the sand and the sun!! thank you for the comprehensive posting.

Good info, the Cuban medical Team is a joke.
The doctors have been working for the government since 1960, some were trained in the Soviet Union.
When Fidel needed hospitalization he flew to the states.
They’re good for treating a broken arm or leg and tropical diseases.

Ahoy Captains,

Here is a mid-July posted resource for FDA Approved At-Home Covid 19 Test Kits -
https://www.goodrx.com/blog/coronavirus-at-home-tests/

Fair Winds, Brent from The Captains Compass

"Could" is not the word you want to hear.."should" is better and "will" is what should be said with a real plan outlined..anyone listening??

What I see as a problem based on their knee jerk reaction to the Jost issue is what happens if they open up and get a few cases of covid. Will they lock down every tourist? Close the borders as people are arriving for expensive vacations? Covid is not going away. They are going to have to learn to live with it like every other communicable illness out there. The CDC’s new mortality rate is now a mere fraction of what they expected 6 months ago.

we have a new case today no knew jerk reaction this times as. it came through the airport and they have them in quarantine.

post deleted

I know US economy is in trouble, but don't worry a vaccine will soon be here to help you out the hole you are in.

Look, please just stop it. Aside from violating the rules of this forum, such statements are offensive to those who have suffered loss. I just found out that the sister of someone I'm close to died yesterday from the virus. 52 years old.

Dan

Well stated. My condolences to the family and friends.

Thank you for posting these. These may be what is used when people need tests for travel until 24-48 or immediate hour turn around is standard. I have no problem testing before I travel but would hate to. It get my results back in time. People in IL are still waiting a long time. Our state was one of the worst with cases around when NY was, we are now one of the better ones and are no longer a hotspot

Some folks that I have talked to suggest November as the opening time for tourists. These are folks in the BVI Government. Everyone needs to realize covid 19 will be around for a while, even after a vaccine (if one works) since some folks will not get vaccinated so they will be spreading the covid 19 around. There are good medications to limit the effects of covid 19. To get our lives back and start the economy back up there will be risks but they are manageable.

The person who makes that decision sent URGENT messages last night about COVID outbreaks and lockdowns in other countries, I asked him what was urgent about something in another country, he then sent multiple links of COVID stories including one from the gutter press in the UK. My hope for November is dwindling fast, 1 new case from a hotspot (DR) and policy is changed, i am beginning to think no Vaccine no BVI.

Great update! Fingers crossed we can get back into the BVI this fall/winter.

Sail445-your assumptions and non factual comments are rude. As others have requested. Please stop on this forum.

It is a conscious choice— we can work together to make a better world! Or not. Think about it. Are you being part of the solution?

sail445--No, your comments are just out of line.

In these strange times I am relaying on TTOL for much of my on island info..I thank those that constructively help with that and will repay with cold ones down the road! Dont need the opinions of others as we all have our own and should keep them that way.

Agree, Mal - just the facts please

We are booked for a bareboat charter in June 2021. I thought for sure this would not be as much of an issue by then, but after reading this forum, I'm second guessing that decision. I wonder if they'll still require the recent negative test at that time. Who knows...out of the 8 of us that are supposed to be on the boat I sure hope none test positive (false positive or not).

A false positive would be quickly resolved. I suspect the tests will be better in the spring also.

My wife and I were tested this week in Florida and received our negative result in 15 minutes.

We have a charter booked in December and are hoping the availability of testing will facilitate tourism in the BVI. We have rescheduled a prior trip just like many other charter guests but we may cancel if we can not come down in December.

For the record, the economy in the US took a hit, but is still strong. We WILL recover.

(For the record, the economy in the US took a hit, but is still strong. We WILL recover.)

AMEN!!

As we’re seeing (in the US at least) the “rapid tests” are giving false results and aren’t reliable, while the tests that are sent to labs are the gold standard.
I’ve not followed the entry requirements (existing or proposed) - is the more robust negative lab test required as evidence?

For Belongers and Permanent Residents the only entry requirement is a questionnaire and approval by govt. Upon entry, there is a mandatory 14 day guarded quarantine with a lab test on day 13 and 14. Upon 2 negative results, you are released from quarantine.

No entry requirements or dates defined for tourists or work permit holders yet. I'm guessing we'll hear about the work permit holders Sept. 1.

Is this quarantine under government supervision (specific government decide location with personnel) or self quarantine at home?

They started out allowing both with guards at either. Then changed to only allow for government locations because they had too many security issues with people sneaking out. But since then, I've heard the do allow some exceptions for people to quarantine at home. Definitely no self quarantine. The houses nearby that had people home quarantining have had guards outside 24/7.

If I couls quarantine at our villa I'd be there in an instant

For anyone they approve to quarantine at home, it's over $6k for the 2 weeks to pay for security.

Article Link

I wonder what the BVI is going to do when flu season hits?

Anyone thinking of traveling through the USVI, the CDC is now recommending against it.

US Virgin Islands
US Virgin Islands reported 18 new cases of COVID-19 on 2020-08-06. In total, 481 cases have been reported there.
Travel Health Guidance

CDC recommends that travelers avoid all nonessential travel to US Virgin Islands.
Travelers at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 should consider postponing all travel, including essential travel, to US Virgin Islands.
COVID-19 risk in US Virgin Islands is high.
If you get sick in US Virgin Islands and need medical care, healthcare resources may be overwhelmed.
After travel, take these actions to protect others from getting sick:

Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms` length) from anyone who is not from your household. It is important to do this everywhere -- both indoors and outdoors.
Wear a cloth face covering to keep your nose and mouth covered when you are outside of your home.
Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer
Watch your health: Look for symptoms of COVID-19, and take your temperature if you feel sick.
Because you are at a higher risk for exposure to COVID-19, take additional recommended precautions.
Follow state and local recommendations or requirements.

Visit CDC`s Travelers` Health webapge for additional travel information.

Ahoy Captains,

It has been reported on Aug 10 that the BVI Gov Premier has said -
"Premier Fahie said: “All the concerns raised above and more are being taken into consideration so that we do not compromise the health and safety of our people of the Virgin Islands while trying to stimulate the tourism sector of our economy. In a few weeks, I will return to you the public with the details of our progress in this area.”
https://bvinews.com/ban-on-re-entry...dont-want-to-pay-for-quarantine-premier/
There seems to be an ongoing attempt at balancing the income generated by tourism v. the expense of testing and treating of non-'Belongers'.

The Yachting tourism industry logically should be the easiest for any government to manage the Virus (with all the guests in de facto quarantine for the duration of their trip, and Harbor masters enforcing dockside/dingyside pickup for food and beverages in the harbors), the BVI has a natural advantage over any other sailing destination in the world, and that resource requires no investment or infrastructure support.
With the challenges of the Financial Services industry and of the Cruise Ship industry, the BVI will hopefully recognize the importance of the Yachting industry as a priority for reopening travel.
https://bvinews.com/revenue-collected-by-bvifsc-drops-by-10-8m-so-far-premier/
https://www.caymancompass.com/2019/...financial-services-revenue-fall-sharply/
https://bvinews.com/norwegian-says-...of-losing-millions-in-recurrent-revenue/
http://www.virginislandsnewsonline.com/en/news/banning-cruise-ships-a-hard-one-taxi-driver/
https://bvi.org/uk-denies-the-bvi-s-recent-request-grants

It is constructive to see the demarcation between the priority of developing a paradigm for safe and profitable tourism, separate from the domestic politics of visa based employment and BVI Gov supported health care in a recession.
And, although not 'Perfect' and 'Immediate' -
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-53632043

Fair Winds, Brent from The Captains Compass

Brent, while I agree with the need to restart the charter yacht business, I disagree with some of your points. Yacht charter guests are not in defacto quarantine, because they tour the various islands, visiting beach bars, restaurants and sites like the Baths. Better option than cruise ships, to be sure, but not without risk.

I would argue that the easiest "tourism" option is to let BVI homeowners back in, with a Covid test before departure and again on arrival. For the most part they do not have relatives on island, so they are more likely to respect quarantine. In our case, we live on over five acres on an out island. What is better "quarantine" than that? Skipping beach bars for a couple weeks would not be a hardship.

Ahoy RatmansWife,

I am curious if Criticizing the Entire Yachting Industry, including all the Yacht Owners, Yacht Charters, and all the People of the BVI who depend on Yacht tourism for their livelihood, makes your very focused situation more valid?
Is your Attack on what a BVI Gov Minister has forwarded as "The vast majority of our tourism is water-based where density is a non-issue and adopting the new social distancing guidelines will not be a challenge. It will happen naturally,” conducive to opening up the BVI to any Foreigner, especially in terms of your warning that it is "Not without Risk"?
I understand You Personally have a vested interest in access to your property in the BVI, but, is Denigrating the Yacht industry, in Any way, a Positive, in Any way, to the Opening of BVI Borders to tourism?
I Fully Support your Need to return to your property for both the safekeeping and enjoyment of your investment. I am sure that your return would provide employment and a net financial advantage to the BVI and its Belongers. I would hope the BVI Gov would find your claim to be a reasonable and advantageous co-Priority for travel to the BVI.

I admit my retirement plans, still several decades away thanks to Irma and now this Virus, are based on being a somewhat 'Not without Risk' looking Pirate, but, until then, maybe it would better if we at least Tried working Together, rather than at the expense of each other, to beat this Virus and all its challenges?

Fair Winds, Brent from The Captains Compass

RatmansWife is not “denigrating” anyone, she is simply sharing what she has observed, which I have also observed over the years: charterers interact with service workers and residents on shore, as well as with each other. That does not equate to “de facto quarantine.” We all hope the islands can open up soon, in a safe manner.

Brent--STAND DOWN. You are over-reacting, by a LOT. Attack on the yachting industry? Xenophobic? Racist? No. She has some very valid points. Yacht guests are NOT in a de facto quarantine, not at all. This is not a zero-sum game, that the yachting industry is somehow in competition with land owners.

Ahoy RatmasWife,

I Sincerely Apologize.
No Excuses.
I am Sorry.

Fair Winds, Brent from The Captains Compass

While being on our boat may not be de-facto quarantine, I'm sure boat owners like myself would welcome the chance to use our property even with restrictions on provisioning, going ashore, etc.

As someone who got back recently from a USVI charter, I can speak for our group — we masked up everywhere we went - we avoided anyplace that looked too crowded (Skinny Legs was packed so we immediately turned around and took the dinghy back to the boat to wait for Lime Out’s day tripper boats to disperse.) We kept to ourselves without being rude.

That said? Watching the majority of the tourists flooding the Gulf Coast of Florida where I live and work in a high traffic area for vacationers? Most of them behave like it is life as usual - particularly the younger set.

I would much rather be out on a boat with a small crew that I trust to do the right thing than at a crowded resort somewhere.

This would likely influence our destination decisions - might choose to avoid high traffic spots we’ve been to a thousand times and explore new ground.

Wellllll, ANYWAY, thanks Brent for the news that at least the BVI govt is looking to come up with a plan for restarting tourism, that IS good news, cause it's been mighty quiet on that front. AND, you are correct that of all the tourism related businesses, yachting is the closest to being a socially distant activity.