British Virgin Islands limits ports of entry, enacts stringent screenings

On March 14, citing the World Health Organization (WHO) ­declaring COVID-19 a pandemic, the government of the Virgin Islands announced the immediate closure of the Tortola cruise port, allowing no cruise ships to call on the territory for a 30-day period in an effort to protect the Territory from potential contamination. At present, there are no confirmed cases in the islands.

Also, the number of international ports of entry into the British Virgin Islands (BVI) has been limited to facilitate the effective screening of passengers. The three ports that remained opened up the printing of this publication were Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport, Road Town and West End Ferry Terminals, and one cargo port of entry – Port Purcell.

The entry of passengers and crew members who had travelled to, from or through COVID-19 affected countries as specified in a list of countries of special interest, within a period of 14 days or less, were not being allowed. Additionally, the entry of passengers and crew members who had travelled to, from or through COVID-19-affected countries classified as a high-risk country within a period of 14 days or less, immediately preceding their arrival in the territory, were subjected to advanced screening procedures and were opened to be being quarantined for a period of up to 14 days, based on the outcome of the risk assessment.

Locally, mass gatherings or festivals that were scheduled to take place in the BVI during the next month have been postponed until further notice. This includes the 2020 BVI Spring Regatta, scheduled for March 30-April 5, and the Virgin Gorda Easter Festival scheduled for April 11-13.

“After extensive consideration, the British Virgin Islands made the prudent decision to put stringent measures in place to temporarily enhance the protocols for entry into the Territory until April 13,” said Andrew A. Fahie, premier and minister of finance and the minister responsible for tourism. “It is imperative that we prioritise our limited resources to safeguard our residents and our guests. Tourism is our mainstay and it is important that we take measures to ensure our long-term sustainability.”

Premier Fahie continued, “Our tourism industry has faced many crises before, from natural disasters to epidemics, and we have always come out strong on the other side. After much anticipation, we are at the start of a big celebratory year, as many of our beloved resort products are finally reopening following extensive rebuilding. We also expect this summer to be busy in the BVI with rerouting of cruises and airline service in and out of the Caribbean.”

The public is reminded to take all necessary precautions against contracting the coronavirus. The risk can be reduced by implementing personal protective measures, such as frequent handwashing, covering nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, and avoiding close contact with people suffering from acute respiratory illnesses.