British Virgin Islands: Authorities extend COVID-19-related 0200-0500 curfew through Feb .11 /update 28

Event

Authorities in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) have extended an existing 0200-0500 curfew through at least Feb. 11, and announced new travel restrictions for South Africa and Brazil, as part of ongoing efforts to curb the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The new travel bans are in addition to the ongoing restrictions on travel to and from the UK and the Dominican Republic, which will remain in place until further notice. Travel bans for the UK, South Africa, and Brazil are in response to variant COVID-19 strains in these countries, while the Dominican Republic travel ban is due to a spike in cases. The following domestic and international travel restrictions are being enforced as of Feb. 1:

Domestic Measures
Only workers in essential and critical services are exempt from the 0200-0500 curfew. Long-standing pandemic-related operating requirements are likely to remain in place for an extended period. 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.

International Travel Restrictions
BVI Nationals, belongers, residents, work permit holders, diplomats, and government employees are exempt from the travel bans for the UK, Dominican Republic, South Africa, and Brazil. Authorized travelers from these countries must complete a 14-day quarantine upon arrival and will be re-tested for COVID-19 upon arrival, as well as on day 7 and day 14 after their arrival.

Travel protocols remain in place since the reopening of Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS) to international travel in December 2020, albeit with some revisions. Persons intending to enter the BVI, including those authorized to enter from the banned country list, must obtain prior approval and adhere to health protocols, along with the following additional requirements:

• Travelers must obtain a BVI Gateway Traveller Authorisation Certificate and present proof of a negative COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (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.

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, movement throughout the territory will be permitted. Persons who test positive upon arrival must complete a 14-day quarantine at a government-approved location. Ferry ports remain closed to vessels from outside the BVI and will likely reopen March. 1.

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.

Resources

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