The Government of the Virgin Islands has imposed a travel ban on persons travelling from the Dominican Republic and the United Kingdom (UK) to the BVI with effect from Monday, January 11.

The ban was put in place to promote public safety during the COVID-19 pandemic and does not apply to nationals, Belongers, residents, work permit holders, persons permitted to reside in the Territory, diplomats and persons employed by Government and Statutory agencies.

Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Carvin Malone in a statement on January 7 said, “All persons approved to travel to the BVI originating or transiting through the Dominican Republic or the United Kingdom are required to provide a five day rt-PCR negative test prior to entry and must undergo a mandatory 14 day quarantine and a testing regimen on the day of entry, on day seven and finally on day 14 when in the Territory.”

Honourable Malone further noted that persons caught violating these provisions will be found and fined.  “The Government takes these breaches very seriously because it is costly to lockdown.  All of our hard work and efforts for the last nine months will not go down the drain,” he said.

The public is also reminded to adhere to all social distancing and public health measures and comply with all lawful instructions of the officers who have been designated to enforce and uphold them. Persons are also encouraged to report any instances of breaches of quarantine to the Public Health Unit at 468-2274 or the Police at 311.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development is committed to keeping the public informed and will continue to provide the Territory with regular updates on the Government’s COVID-19 situation and response.