There seems to be some ambiguity regarding the cost attached to Coronavirus testing in the territory as many persons allege that they were mandated to pay $135 for the test to be administered.
Some outraged residents took to social media to post receipts that reflected the implied amount but upon inquiry by our newsroom, Honorable Carvin Malone today said, that testing is supposed to be free.
“Testing is free, and always has been for returning nationals and non-nationals,” the minister said adding that this also applies to persons locally, who volunteer to get tested due to possible exposure to the virus.
Honorable Malone further clarified that the “only” persons mandated to pay are those leaving the island and required by protocol to get tested before their respective flights.
But contrary to the Minister’s recent comments, a previous Government publication to encourage testing highlighted “this service has a fee”.
This was confirmed by residents who, upon arrival at the testing facility, were requested to fill out a form and make a payment of $135 prior to testing.
It is important to note that these persons were “not” traveling out of the BVI which substantiates the cost attached, according to the Minister.
Residents are concerned that this cost may serve as a deterrent for persons who may not be able to afford the test.
The Minister did not respond to our question regarding the possibility of reimbursement by the BVI Health Services Authority, to residents who were forced to pay over the last week.
Yesterday, the Government of the Virgin Islands issued a call for persons who would have visited popular nightclubs between August 15-22 to get to get tested for the novel Coronavirus as they may have been exposed to a positive case.
That publication highlighted that “testing is free”.
The establishments identified were;
- Ramons in Humtums Ghut,
- The Vault in long bush,
- The Edge in long bush
- The Avenue in the Mill Mall.
Persons of interest are now kindly encouraged to reach out to the relevant authorities to get tested. Contact the medical hotline on 852-7650 or the Public Health Division at 468 2274 for a referral.