Two British Virgin Islands nationals who returned to the Territory on June 27 tested negative for the virus that causes COVID-19.

The returnees were tested shortly after their arrival after health screenings revealed them to have been exposed to the virus while overseas, and information reaching the Ministry of Health and Social Development suggested that they may have recently contracted the COVID-19 virus.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Carvin Malone stated in a live update that local testing was carried out upon their arrival as a precautionary measure to verify whether any of the two persons under investigation were currently carrying the virus, although neither of them were exhibiting symptoms of the disease.

Honourable Malone further explained that established Port Health procedures for the handling of suspected cases were followed at the T. B. Lettsome International Airport, in compliance with International Health Regulations.

The procedure outlines that should any of the travelers were to test positive for COVID-19, they would be placed in isolation, actively monitored and treated by healthcare professionals until their recovery status is confirmed. If results are negative, then they will be retested at the end of a 14-day quarantine period before being released into the community.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development wishes to remind the public that COVID-19 can be undetectable in early stages of infection, hence the need for quarantine and other precautionary measures to be observed in relation to every arriving traveler for the entire 14-day quarantine period.           

Following release from quarantine, persons are advised to self-monitor for an additional 14 days and report any COVID-19 related symptoms to the Medical Hotline at 852-7650.   Members of the British Virgin Islands community are also reminded and encouraged to take personal responsibility in observing all safety precautions such as physical distancing, hand washing hygiene and sanitisation, and wearing of face masks.

For more information on COVID-19 please visit www.bvi.gov.vg.