Reports to our newsroom indicate that a number of day trippers were required to present a negative test upon entry into the British Virgin Islands, despite the removal of the requirement which came into effect on Wednesday June 15.
According to the day trippers who were traveling from the United States Virgin Islands to the territory on Thursday, after disembarking their ferry to be processed by local health officials, they were informed that a negative test was required for entry.
In describing the encounter, one male said that despite explaining to the health official that he was only traveling to the territory for a few hours, the official insisted on the need of a negative test.
According to the male, he said the health official told him that the travel protocol for day trippers was only in effect for persons leaving the BVI to the USVI and not vice versa.
The male was only allowed entry into the territory after showing a negative test which he had taken as a precaution in the event such an instance was to occur.
Other persons were not as fortunate, as they had to be tested at the ferry terminal at a fee of $50 prior to being processed through local customs.
Following the reports, 284News reached out to the Minister for Health Honourable Marlon Penn, who sought to clarify the new travel arrangements for day trippers.
He said the new protocol which came into effect from Wednesday June 15 is for all persons entering and exiting the territory within a 24-hour period.
Penn made it clear that the aforementioned persons are not required to present a COVID-19 test result.
To ensure that neither residents or tourists have to experience a similar occurrence, Minister Penn said his ministry will be disseminating information on the updates throughout the respective departments and on social media.