Face masks no longer mandatory by law from June 15, 2022– Hon Penn
“All of these metrics suggest that we have transitioned away from an acute, or emergency phase of the pandemic. If these trends continue, this virus will eventually become endemic in the Territory,” he said in a video statement released via social media.
Restrictions eased
As such, the minister said adjusting to the local public health measures has been made and beginning on Wednesday, June 15, 2022, "persons traveling to the BVI, regardless of vaccination status, will no longer need to register for entry clearance on the BVI Gateway Travel Portal, and will not be required to show proof of travel insurance.
“Day-trippers, such as travellers who had been away from the Territory for less than 24 hours, or persons remaining in the Territory for less than 24 hours will no longer need to present a COVID-19 test result upon arrival.”
For travellers over the age of 5, regardless of vaccination status, persons will still need to provide a negative rapid antigen test, or rt-PCR test, taken up to 48 hours before entry.
Alternatively, a person may present a document issued by a licensed medical professional certifying COVID-19 recovery within 90 days prior to arrival, in place of a negative test.
COVID-19 screening continues
The Minister said if persons are unable to present a test result or a recovery certificate, the person will be tested upon arrival in the Territory, “A person who tests positive on arrival will be required to adhere to Ministry of Health protocols and instructions for COVID-19 positive persons.”
He said the entry protocols will be kept under review to determine any changes to be made in the future, however, travellers entering the Territory will continue to be subject to COVID-19 screening, and persons exhibiting signs of the illness may be tested at the port of entry.
Effective June 15, 2022, Cabinet has also decided that the wearing of face masks or face coverings, whether indoors or outdoors, will no longer be mandated by law, but will be allowed as a matter of choice in public spaces.
Mask mandate lifted
“Even as this mask mandate is being lifted, any private establishment or service provider may institute its own policy on mask-wearing. The same will apply to the Public Sector, and the Deputy Governor will develop a policy on the areas where mask-wearing will still be required, such as in agencies providing health and social care, border protection services, and other front-facing departments where the risk of exposure is higher,” he added.
Persons, however, are being strongly encouraged to continue wearing well-fitted masks or face coverings if they are COVID-19 positive, have been in close contact with a COVID-19 positive person, and at mass gatherings or in communal transportation.
“The Ministry of Health will also be ending all mandatory isolation of cases, quarantine of contacts of cases, and contact tracing,” he said.
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“Even as this mask mandate is being lifted, any private establishment or service provider may institute its own policy on mask-wearing. The same will apply to the Public Sector, and the Deputy Governor will develop a policy on the areas where mask-wearing will still be required, such as in agencies providing health and social care, border protection services, and other front-facing departments where the risk of exposure is higher,” he added.
Still needing a COVID test to enter…
The UK dropped this months ago. As did most countries.
Antigua - no test for fully vaccinated
Barbados - no test for fully vaccinated
Jamaica - no test
St Lucia - no test for fully vaccinated
St Maarten - no test for fully vaccinated
USA - no testing
UK - no testing
We are bleeding. Do we have to wait to be the last country in the world requiring testing before we drop the testing requirement?
Souvenirs now?