Some 76 more persons have partaken in the BVI-USVI vaccine bubble on yesterday August 11, 2021, through the initiative which allows persons to travel to the neighbouring St. John and access COVID-19 vaccines not yet available in the [British] Virgin Islands. Photo: Facebook

Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Carvin Malone (AL), during a statement at the Eleventh Sitting of the Third Session of the Fourth House of Assembly on August 11, 2021, said August 13, 2021 is the final day for registration for the USV-BVI Bubble Initiative. Photo: HoA/Youtube

This was revealed by Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Carvin Malone (AL) during a statement at yesterday’s Eleventh Sitting of the Third Session of the Fourth House of Assembly (HoA) of the Virgin Islands (VI) on August 12, 2021.

The vaccines available are Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer, two jabs not available in the VI for those who do not want the Oxford-Astrazeneca vaccine currently available.

The Health Minister said on August 3, 2021, the first voyage set sail with 36 persons of which 36 were children which he said is pleasing that parents are being proactive about their children’s health.

76 persons departed these shores for St John under the initiative yesterday, August 12, 2021, a day after their trip was cancelled due to inclement weather.

The initiative, which prioritises 12–17-year-olds, was designed to enhance the current COVID-19 response and mitigation efforts of the Ministry of Health and Social Development, by providing further options and adjusting entry protocols that would support persons wishing to participate.

Registration deadline today 

However, Hon Malone said the opportunity to access vaccines through the initiative is not forever, as registration for the bubble will end today, August 13, 2021.

“This week Friday, is the last call for new applicants because there are timelines attached to this application,” he said given the COVID-19 virus is on the increase in the USVI.

Hon Malone said as of August 10, 2021, 152 persons have registered to participate in the initiative and while the government will seek to have the registration deadline extended, he said today’s deadline was given as a result of the situation in the USVI.