Select frontline government workers will now be tested bi-weekly for the COVID-19 virus while inbound vaccinated travelers will be subject to a rapid antigen test upon entry to the BVI.
Minister for Health Carvin Malone made the announcement on Tuesday July 5 during a live COVID-19 press conference on social media.
These latest announcements follow the recent surge in COVID-19 cases in the BVI, which have now skyrocketed to 480 active cases.
He said, “[Cabinet] decided to test for COVID-19 at least once per fortnight or as advised by the Chief Medical Officer the employees of the following organisations: police, customs, immigration, prison, sea and airports authority and residential facilities as outlined in Item C and other highly vulnerable settings during high instances of the disease in the territory.”
“[Cabinet] decided that in addition to existing measures, all vaccinated persons be subject to a rapid test upon arrival effective 12th July 2021 at a fee of $50.”
No visits to prison and elderly homes
Malone also said that the Cabinet decided to cease visits to both the prison and elderly homes in the territory as part of the government’s safety measures.
He said, “Cabinet convened an emergency meeting to consider measures to be taken to address this upsurge. In this regard, Cabinet advised that persons visit to and from Her Majesty Prison in Balsam Ghut are restricted mandatorily effective 6th July 2021 for a period of 14 days in the first instance, with the exception of emergency situations determined by the facility to necessitate a visit subject to the contrary advise that we may have.”
He added, “Cabinet has advised that all facilities that serve as residential establishments, namely the Adina Donovan Home for the elderly, the Virgin Gorda Elderly Home and the Rainbow Children Home, Safe Haven Transitional Centre and private residential facilities are to prohibit visits in and visits out effect 6th July 2021 for a period of 14 days in the first instance, with the exception of emergency situations determined by the facility to necessitate a visit.”
Schools to close but examinations to be allowed
The minister further revealed that all schools will immediately cease in-person activities, except in the special instance to facilitate examinations.
“[Cabinet] decided that all private and public schools including preschools, child care centres, summer programmes and extra-curricular activities are mandated to cease in-person activities with effect from Tuesday 6 July 2021 for 14 days in the first instance and subject to a review by the Cabinet after 7 days, provided that all external and regional examinations may continue to be administered at public and private schools, with the approval of the Ministry of Education in consultation with the Chief Environmental Health Officer and the Chief Medical Officer,” Malone explained.