British Virgin Islands: Authorities ban travel from the Dominican Republic Jan. 15 due to COVID-19. Nationwide 0200-0500 curfew extended. /update 27

Event

As of Jan. 15, authorities in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) have extended an existing 0200-0500 curfew and domestic business restrictions, and banned travelers from the Dominican Republic as part of ongoing efforts to curb the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

As of Jan. 15, travelers from the Dominican Republic are forbidden from entering BVI due to a spike in COVID-19 activity. BVI Nationals, belongers, residents, work permit holders, diplomats, and government employees are exempt from the ban. The ban on travelers going to and from the UK remains in place as of Jan. 15 due to a new variant strain of COVID-19. All approved travelers, including those transiting through the UK or the Dominican Republic, are required to take a negative COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test within five days before travel, and must self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. Travelers will be re-tested for COVID-19 upon arrival, as well as on day 7 and day 14 after their arrival. Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS) reopened to international travel Dec. 1 following an extensive pandemic-related closure.

All other travel protocols remain unchanged. Persons intending to enter the BVI must obtain prior approval and adhere to quarantine protocols, along with the following additional requirements:

• Travelers must obtain a BVI Gateway Traveller Authorisation Certificate and present proof of a negative PCR test result recorded within five days before travel.

• Travelers must undergo additional health screenings at the airport, including taking a PCR test.

• Travelers must install and use contact-tracing software on their mobile phones and wear a tracking bracelet for at least eight days.

Movement restrictions will also be enforced for at least the first eight days of travel. Travelers must remain quarantined within the compound of their accommodation or yacht for the first four days and take another PCR test on the fourth day. If the test is negative, restricted movement to designated places will be permitted. A final PCR test will be taken on the eighth day; if the test is negative, the traveler will be allowed to move freely in the territory. Ferry ports remain closed to vessels from outside the BVI will likely reopen March. 1.

Domestic Measures
The 0200-0500 curfew will be maintained until further notice. Workers in essential and critical services are exempt from the curfew. As of Jan. 15, officials have not announced changes to previously established pandemic-related restrictions. Businesses must continue to enforce social distancing guidelines of 1.8 meters (6 feet) between individuals, require that facemasks be worn, and adhere to sanitization protocols. Gatherings of more than 100 people are prohibited. Beaches may be subject to regulated hours of operation and additional capacity limits. Private and commercial vessels are prohibited from traveling within the BVI's territorial waters 1800-0500. Ferries may operate at any time outside the curfew.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Government of the British Virgin Islands
BVI Gateway Travel Authorization