Here, if you want quick turn-around, you pay through the nose. An unfortunate analogy considering the testing method. The nearest pharmacy that does tests for quick turn-around charges a substantial premium. From their web site:
"Is there a way to get expedited test results? Yes, expedited results are available for traveling purposes. It is $250 for a 48-hour turn around, and $500 for a 24-hour turn around."
I'm sure they will say that is the fee for expediting. Amusing to me in that the pharmacy location is exactly one block from the Fedex Store and the Post Office. Fortunately, there do seem to be other (more reasonably priced) options in the area.
Since this thread was running in parallel with another thread I thought I would post this here. The moderator chose to close the thread after I made a post about how hard it is to make a corona virus vaccine. I commented people have been trying for 20 years. She choose to pronounce that post a obviously wrong and closed the thread with zero fact checking. Here is correct formation from two sources.
OK, Monday is here. I am waiting for the promised declaration. I am going to keep my thoughts to myself as to what I think it will be. I still have dec 1-15 tickets but very doubtful that will happen.
I suspect given the worldwide Covid numbers the news will not be good. My fingers are still crossed but I see little hope. I asked my 10 year old granddaughter if she might want a road trip to Disney instead of sailing in the BVI and she said she only wants to go to the BVI! G
The good news on the 20 year point is researchers have been able to use those attempts to help speed development of a vaccine for this new corona virus. One thing I did not take into account on opening the BVI up is they may be satisfied with vaccinating the high risk population in the BVI and allow a opening with prior testing at that point. It might be possible to save the spring season that way. I would think the BVI could make a case that they should be at the top of the list for a vaccine for high risk individuals given the health and economic implications.
What time are they supposed to be releasing the protocols today? I was told by my wife over the weekend that she’s just tired of this emotional roller coaster...can’t say I disagree. Will be nice to know one way or the other if the BVI’s are an option so we can make arrangements to visit or go somewhere else.
I agree, Andiamo...this is one roller coaster I'm not enjoying at all. I think it was so silly of them to plan a big BVILove campaign (they didn't even purchase the website for BVILove so the effort was half-cocked, at best!) for Dec 1 and with all the hoops and obstacles, they will be lucky if anyone visits.
Can they not just make an official post like every other country? I’m all for having a public conference/discussion, but no reason they can’t just release the details!
It should be officially published in a gazette but I would expect the gazette publication will be after any public announcement. BVI Official Gazettes (Government Actions)
Hey, give them a break. They must have paid a lot of necessary money to get ESPN to allow them to have the conference during the opening sequence of Monday Night Football.
Here in the US we are being beaten to death by certain politicos..and all we want to hear from our beloved BVI"s is "WHAT WILL IT TAKE FOR US TO GET HOME!!!!". I dont need another press conference that will, maybe, start at midnight and just compound the problem. Lets hear 1, 2, 3 and you're done..PLEASE!!!!!!
Limited location for 4 days would be fine if we could get on our boat and grab a Mooring at Norman and visit the caves/indians during the day and keep to ourselves. I'd have no problem doing that. Having to go back to Tortola to get tested again.. bit of a pain, but doable if they made it easy and could be done at the docks. Otherwise we'll wait.
It doesn't sound feasible to me. Aside from scaring the tourists off, I don't think they can implement what was described. Too many moving parts, too much coordination required, too much technology. I hate to say it but I think the whole thing (the processes) come crashing down in December and they will have to do another reset.
I heard test before departing, test on arrival, move to Q for 4 days, test on day 5 then move to another isolated location for another 4 days, with another test on day 8. Plus contact tracing on cell phone. For next several months. We won't be going in December and most likely February as well.
The protocols that were just announced amount to a closing, not an opening, of the BVI for tourism. It is simply not doable for 90% of potential visitors. So long to the 2021 charter season.