The Government of the Virgin Islands has implemented increased border control and quarantine measures for travellers entering the Territory based on assessment of risks, vulnerabilities and capacities in response to the coronavirus disease COVID-19.

This was done preceding the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring the COVID-19 a pandemic today, March 11.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development is hereby advising the public that any national or non-national with a travel history within the last 14 days from an affected area*, whether in transit or originating, or has been in close contact with a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 within the last 14 days, may be subject to quarantine on arrival in the British Virgin Islands for up to fourteen (14) days even if they do not exhibit symptoms of COVID-19.

All travellers entering the BVI (including BVI citizens, permanent residents and their immediate family) will be subject to screening and passenger tracing at ports of entry; and may be subjected to clinical examination and quarantined for up to fourteen (14) days, as deemed necessary, in accordance with the Quarantine Act, 2014.

During quarantine, persons will be monitored for the development of signs and symptoms consistent with COVID-19 by a designated health officer. Travel outside of quarantined premises and direct contact with anyone other than medical personnel will be prohibited or restricted.

These measures are being taken to avert the introduction and active transmission of this disease in the British Virgin Islands, thereby safeguarding the health and wellbeing of all residents and visitors and will remain in effect until further notice.

Notes:

* According to the WHO, “affected areas” are considered those countries, provinces, territories or cities experiencing ongoing transmission of COVID-19, in contrast to areas reporting only imported cases.