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Outdoor mask wearing & quarantine for travellers to be scrapped- Hon Malone

Subject to amendments made to the relevant legislation, the requirements for face mask coverings by all individuals over the age of 5 will be allowed as a matter of choice in outdoor public spaces. Photo: Internet Source/File
Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Carvin Malone (AL) said the Cabinet of the Virgin Islands has decided, among other things, to remove the requirement for mask wearing while outdoors as well as lift the requirement for quarantine for unvaccinated and partially vaccinated travellers to the Virgin Islands. Photo: VINO/File
Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Carvin Malone (AL) said the Cabinet of the Virgin Islands has decided, among other things, to remove the requirement for mask wearing while outdoors as well as lift the requirement for quarantine for unvaccinated and partially vaccinated travellers to the Virgin Islands. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The Cabinet of the Virgin Islands has decided to, among other things, to remove the requirement for mask wearing while outdoors as well as lift the requirement for quarantine for unvaccinated and partially vaccinated travellers to the Virgin Islands.

This was disclosed by Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Carvin Malone (AL) while at a community meeting on waste management solutions this evening, April 13, 2022.

Hon Malone said Cabinet met today and decided that effective April 15, 2022, fully vaccinated persons travelling to the VI from overseas would require a rapid antigen test on arrival, provided they do not have satisfactory evidence of a PCR test or approved antigen test taken within 48 hours of arrival in the territory.

‘We are doing away with the quarantine’- Hon Malone

According to Hon Malone, this means that “if you somehow got stuck at the airport and you need to come in you can still come in and have the antigen test administered here in the BVI.”

Hon Malone continued that partially vaccinated persons travelling from overseas would require a PCR test within 5 days of travel, provide evidence of being partially vaccinated and would be administered a rapid antigen test on arrival before being cleared for release, provided the test is negative for COVID-19.

“That simply means that we are doing away with the quarantine. Once you test negative you are free to roam, whether you vaccinated or unvaccinated, but the test would be conducted on the unvaccinated or partially unvaccinated, that’s the antigen test,” Hon Malone explained.

No more mask wearing outdoors

The Minister added that subject to amendments made to the relevant legislation, the requirements for face mask coverings by all individuals over the age of 5 will be allowed as a matter of choice in outdoor public spaces.

“And when you are indoor it will remain mandatory and with social distancing of 3 feet.

“So, we want the face masks to remain mandatory indoors except with your own circle, family…It would not be a requirement outdoors,” Hon Malone stated.

37 Responses to “Outdoor mask wearing & quarantine for travellers to be scrapped- Hon Malone”

  • NezRez (13/04/2022, 23:12) Like (43) Dislike (13) Reply
    YES! About time. We are slowly getting back to normal. While in crowds we must still be very careful to wear masks when visiting every establishment including beach bars and being around crowds of people at outdoor functions. I myself will wear my mask for my own safety and for the safety of others while in groups.
    • simple (14/04/2022, 00:18) Like (11) Dislike (7) Reply
      All you have to do is stay home.
    • Shower to shower refresh (14/04/2022, 01:20) Like (9) Dislike (4) Reply
      I think I'll wear my mask cause some of these young people like they allergic to soap and water. Got a boy by one of the supermarket in town, even when I have on my mask and I walk pass him, oh , you can tell he don't bathe and the father worse, always looking like a bum and dirty & you best believe both of them got chat LOL
      • To Shower (14/04/2022, 12:02) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        And I know exactly who you're talking about. They fired his rude behind cause he is very disrespectful to customers and staff alike and its crystal clear he does not shower. And partna you can't work among the public and smelling like a ram goat b@//$ . Apple didnt fall far from the tree cause the father is the same
    • Cloth masks (14/04/2022, 05:47) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
      Don’t get carried away with a cloth masks that does nothing to stop the virus. It was ba all along
  • The vaccinated (13/04/2022, 23:13) Like (14) Dislike (18) Reply
    Shall be furious. They will feel like they have been played and taking for a ride.
    • please (14/04/2022, 06:05) Like (13) Dislike (26) Reply
      Vaccination is still highly recommended. We need one for stupidity and you need a double dose
      • @ please (14/04/2022, 08:16) Like (41) Dislike (5) Reply
        Stop it, Just stop it. Getting the Health Ministries around the world to tell the truth is highly recommended. Have you seen the data worldwide about how many people the vaccine have killed and the adverse reactions it has caused? There is lots of serious adverse reactions taken place right now here in the BVI with people who have taken the vaccine but they are keeping it on the low because they dont want there business out. This is real. This is a Big Pharma set up for reoccurring customers.
      • 4th shot (14/04/2022, 08:54) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
        How’s your 4th shot going
    • Nah. (14/04/2022, 07:37) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      I mean, I'm vaccinated and tbh I'm chilling.
  • Maybe to fast (13/04/2022, 23:14) Like (22) Dislike (40) Reply
    Hope he will not regret this decisions
    • care (13/04/2022, 23:55) Like (4) Dislike (33) Reply
      I hope so because this part about no qurantine for unvaccinated and partiable dont make any sense he need to revisit these comments i there is a mistake some where .
      • Vaccinated (14/04/2022, 08:56) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
        I guess the vaccinated can’t catch or spread the virus you twit
    • Tom Cow (14/04/2022, 01:42) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
      You are such a st@¥%day ignorant id!0t
  • MV (14/04/2022, 00:19) Like (7) Dislike (4) Reply
    Election is around the corner.
  • Scrap those (14/04/2022, 00:26) Like (12) Dislike (2) Reply
    Testing
  • mask by choice (14/04/2022, 00:27) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    No mask at all or by choice, that make more sense. the same people who will be running around outside is who will be roaming indoors.
  • Hmm (14/04/2022, 00:52) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    So what about the BVI portal? Do the unvax still needs to fill that it?
  • west (14/04/2022, 04:59) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Stay in the woods and eat grass!
  • Disagree... (14/04/2022, 05:14) Like (3) Dislike (10) Reply
    I think the mask wearing should still be in place for indoor business operations and communication, The quarantine I support that, that needed to go along time ago, But to completely eliminate mask wearing is a mistake, we are not quite out of the woods. This virus is the billionaires investment from which they are making billions in profit, they are not giving up, they are determined to keep it alive. So, we still have to proceed with caution.
    • Peaches (14/04/2022, 07:48) Like (42) Dislike (0) Reply
      @Disagree proceed with caution by building your immune system. Those masks are so full of germs from people's mouth and we breathe back in our germs. It's just nasty and disgusting! Breathe, get some fresh air in your lungs. I hope the people that walk along the road in the fresh breeze will stop the nonsense now, and also those who ock up in the vehicle under a/c. Yes, the virus is real, but FEAR is a silent killer. Plus, it seems like the virus has been downgraded to a regular flu! Throw them nasty things in the garbage, yes!! BREATHE FRESH AIR!!
    • Beat them (14/04/2022, 07:52) Like (35) Dislike (0) Reply
      @Disagree beat the billionaires at their own game! Get fresh air. God created us to breathe.
  • My choice only (14/04/2022, 06:17) Like (13) Dislike (16) Reply
    I will still continue to wear a mask when I am outdoors and still stay 6 feet away from others. Watch something is going to pop right back up soon.
  • Dr M alone (14/04/2022, 07:30) Like (4) Dislike (9) Reply
    I HAVE SPOKEN , I AM IN CONTROL OF YOU , SO JUST DO AS YOU ARE TOLD OK , WE RUN THINGS AROUND HERE IN CASE YOU DIDN'T KNOW
  • Secure (14/04/2022, 07:32) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    What is the sense then for mandatory insurance on arrival, when minister himself puts visitors in doubtful situation???
  • Mickeymouse (14/04/2022, 08:05) Like (17) Dislike (0) Reply
    The Global Elites agenda continues and every country is marching to the beat.

    Enjoy this short window of freedom. What's coming next, you must know whom you will serve.

    Stay woke.

  • Thanks (14/04/2022, 08:50) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply

    I had issues eat the c*@ with my mask on

    thanks very much and my girl will be happier

  • We need a fresh party (14/04/2022, 09:22) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    Follow the almighty white puppet. Free up your mind. It’s summer ma bwoy. Who da ras catch cold in summa
  • Native Senior Citizen of the British Virgin Islands (14/04/2022, 10:02) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    True, the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic has lowered somewhat. around the world, but not yet ended. My opinion is that a non medical person, as the Hon. health Minister, Carvin should not bet the one to tell us or others to abandon mask wearing, why you may asked? Because he nor no other know when the next spike of the covid-18 pandemic may accured. I honestly think it is highly risky to completely lower our guard, and act unwisely, as if covid-19 has been completely conquered when the evidences says not.
    The Bible clearly tells in not to put our trust (confidence) in man, BVI politicians included.
  • Really (14/04/2022, 10:11) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    They will lift it and then bring it back as mandatory it's happening all over. It's to see if the sheeps will still comply and they do so they can tell you to jump off a bridge and next thing they are looking for your body that's how dumb the human beings are. The can't buy or sell without the mRNA biotech weapon vaccine is coming. The great tribulation starts in June with the same month that Biden said the groceries prices will go up 20% WOW.
  • Easter Bunny (14/04/2022, 11:07) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    JUST IN TIME FOR EASTER FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES... HAVE FUN BUT BE MINDFUL, BE CAREFUL
  • lol (14/04/2022, 11:58) Like (25) Dislike (1) Reply

    Who wears a mask outdoors? This is NONSENSE and change absolutely nothing. Stop the nonsense and make overall mask wearing a personal decision. There is no reason for masks to be worn at restaurants, bars etc. when they will be taken off upon entry in order for food and drink to be consumed. People have just become scared puppets with this whole pandemic nonsense. Nothing prevents getting sick or dying from a virus than taking proper care of your body, that's it and that's all.

  • Wr (14/04/2022, 14:34) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    We still voting ur a$$ out ....think we stupid with u all polition ....da one picko buh he apologies. Nah we not that with ndp ..
  • Str8 (15/04/2022, 08:43) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    Have you noticed that only locals wear masks outside. Check the tourists roaming around.
  • LCS (15/04/2022, 09:56) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Countries where masks wearing have been lifted seem to record increased case numbers. We should keep and eye on that and act accordingly. A few Asian countries have been wearing them for decades, responding to other reasons. Health should be an important one. Be prudent.


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