Estimated $450 per tourist for COVID-19 testing & GPS bracelet
The cost estimates were detailed by both Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) and Health and Social Development Minister, Hon Carvin Malone (AL) when they sat down for a special live press conference last evening, October 27, 2020, to have a dialogue with the public.
COVID-19 has changed travel – Premier Fahie
Some 24 hours before the press conference, Premier Fahie had announced on Monday evening, October 26, 2020, that tourists coming to the VI would have to meet several conditions, including a total of 4 COVID-19 tests, with three done locally.
“These terms and conditions include periods of quarantine at approved accommodation, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing, medical travel insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage, subscription to a contact tracing system through their mobile phone, and in some cases using a wearable device, and bearing the costs associated,” he had said.
Now, according to both the Premier and Health Minister, while the cost of the protocols will not be cheap, it is also one of cost-saving for the government to get the tourism sector going.
Premier Fahie said the measures were developed to make tourism possible and at the same time protect the VI population, given months of sacrifices for the territory to be COVID-19 free.
3 local COVID-19 tests - $300 estimated
Hon Malone said the cost of COVID-19 testing currently stands at some $135 per test at the Dr D. Olando Smith Hospital, however, he said that cost will be reduced by December.
“At the hospital, we're going to substantially reduce that… we have a number of donors who are intent on making sure that we are afforded the additional equipment to increase our capacities for testing, and to look in terms of the particular pieces needed… to get this cost down.”
Hon Malone continued, “We would like to bring it down in terms of the test probably $100 so that we can then… if we have three tests it's $300 [and] if we break it down to two tests, it will be $200.”
1 GPS tracking bracelet - $150 estimated
Primer Fahie said the GPS tracking bracelet and the associate app will come at a cost of $150, however, he said that the bracelets are a better alternative to having 24/7 security at quarantine facilities.
“The cost roughly right now to do the security is about $200 per night to [the] government on average, the cost of the bracelet with the GPS system in it, is going to be $150,” he said.
“But I need to state that that's it, $150 [bracelet] for the entire trip and then when you leave you turn it back in, sanitised and it will be reusable for when the next visitor comes,” Hon Fahie further said.
GPS bracelet works when internet is down – Premier Fahie
According to the Premier, the app and tracker are also capable of GEO-fence features that will ensure tourists in the first restricted phased of being outdoors, don’t break protocols and travel outside of the approved area.
The bracelet will also be able to store information offline and upload data to authorities at a later time should internet availability and mobile coverage be an issue.
Like previous COVID-19 updates, Premier Fahie reiterated that the pandemic is one where Government has had to navigate through uncertainty and make fluid changes to react to new developments and keep the territory safe.
19 Responses to “Estimated $450 per tourist for COVID-19 testing & GPS bracelet”
How many bracelets did they buy because they are not going to be using many.
Still sounds like the Jamaican cronies will be doing ok at $150 for their app.
Hon. Premier you have put the safety of your people first and I want to commend you greatly. I am sure if any adverse situation arise you will be commended for the way you manage the crisis. Lives will be saved and there will be time to recover.