Bryan announced stricter COVID-19 testing rules for travelers from BVI to USVI

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. said on July 15, 2021, that travelers entering the U.S. Virgin Islands from the British Virgin Islands would be required to present more recent COVID-19 test results because of a rise in cases in the neighboring territory.

Speaking at a press conference at the Public Finance Authority on St. Thomas, Bryan said that, until further notice, travelers from the BVI to the USVI must show test results obtained within 48 hours of travel. The previous window had been five days.

Under the protocol, unvaccinated travelers were required to present a negative COVID-19 test, while vaccinated travelers were required to present a positive antibody test.

Bryan said the change was prompted by conditions in the BVI. He said that as of July 14, 2021, the BVI had reported 1,559 active cases and three COVID-related deaths in the previous 24 hours.

He also said more than 100 hospital workers in the BVI either had COVID-19 or were in quarantine because of possible exposure, and that the territory's positivity rate over the previous week and a half exceeded 17%.

Bryan said he was in communication with FEMA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services about possible assistance for the BVI.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/governor-bryan-issues-new-protocols-for-travel-between-bvi-and-usvi/