The first two flights with Virgin Islanders returning to the Territory since the closure of its borders on March 22 arrive today. 

Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie in a welcome message for returning residents indicated that as a Territory we are happy to be at the phase to be able to welcome home our people, saying, “We are indeed happy to see you once again. Please follow the protocol and guidelines that are in place to ensure the health and safety of you and of others.”

He added that the first two weeks are designated for persons that registered for private quarantine accommodations and that Government quarantine will be available from June 15.

Returning residents will undergo a controlled re-entry process managed by multi-Government agencies to ensure the safe repatriation of nationals to the Virgin Islands.

Returning residents were pre-checked by Immigration and Public Health through the process set up by the Government and private quarantine accommodations have been inspected and approved. All other travellers will be placed in Government quarantine.

Travellers will be inspected by port health officials on arrival and will receive a bag with personal protective equipment. Baggage will be screened through a baggage screening system monitored by Her Majesty’s Customs officials. 

Returning nationals will be transported by Government-provided transportation to the various quarantine facilities where they will be monitored by security to ensure that there is no mingling with members of the public until their quarantine period has expired and they are tested negative for the virus.

The Government of the Virgin Islands closed the Territory’s borders on March 22 as part of the safety protocols implemented as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Attached:  Photo:1:1- Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie observing the final simulation exercise of the control re-entry process on June 3.