A total of 20 British Virgin Islands’ nationals have rejoined the community after completing their 14 days in quarantine and testing negative for COVID-19 virus.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Carvin Malone made the announcement during the Tenth Sitting of the Second Session of the Fourth House of Assembly of the Virgin Islands on June 19.

Honourable Malone announced that three returnees were tested on June 17 and an additional 17 were tested on June 18, all of whom received Quarantine Release Certificates on Friday, June 19 with their negative results.

Priority had been given to BVI Nationals and permanent residents to re-enter the Territory during the first two weeks (June 2 to 15) of the Control Re-entry process at a private home or private accommodations on the approval by the Environmental Health Division. This first group is a part of the 200 persons who have returned home to the Territory.

Honourable Malone also explained that during the quarantine period, returnees are instructed to closely monitor their health and practice high levels of sanitisation with support from the health surveillance teams who call-in twice daily.            

He stated that security teams have been securing private premises for 24 hours a day to ensure that returnees adhere to quarantine protocols such as not being allowed to leave the premises or not being allowed visitors.

At the end of the quarantine period, all returnees are tested for COVID-19 and once samples bear negative results, they will receive an official Certification of Release and if necessary a return to work form.

Prior to quarantine and as part of the first phase of the controlled re-entry, all nationals approved to travel are subject to pre-arrival screening and health screenings on arrival.

As the Controlled Re-entry phase continues, BVI Nationals overseas who wish to return home after June 15 will be required to stay at a government quarantine facility. To register, persons can visit www.bvitravel.vg.