The announcement was made at today's December 31, 2020, Fifth Sitting of the Third Session of the Fourth House of Assembly (HoA) at the Save the Seed Energy Centre in Duff's Bottom, Tortola.

Making the announcement was Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Carvin Maline (AL) however, he said some exceptions will apply.

Some exceptions

The UK travel ban does not apply to returning VI nationals, belongers, residents, work permit holders, persons permitted to reside in the territory, diplomats, and persons employed by government and its statutory bodies and agencies.

Further, "Cabinet decided to implement a 14-days quarantine period for all persons allowed to travel to the BVI under the previously mentioned exceptions, provided that they undergo and RT-PCR testing regime on days 0 of entry, day 7 and day 14," Hon Malone went on to say.

"Cabinet decided to use 20 positive cases as a trigger to inform a decision by cabinet regarding travel restrictions to the territory except for nationals, belongers, residents, work permit holders, persons permitted to reside in the territory, diplomats, and persons employed by government and its statutory bodies and agencies," Hon Malone noted.

In the meantime, the current 2:01 am to 4:59 am daily curfew remains in place until January 15, 2021.

Curfew extended

Meanwhile, the current 2:01 am to 4:59 am daily curfew remains in place until January 15, 2021.

Hon Malone reminded that the VI's protocols have been proven to work and that the territory must be ready to make hard decisions.

These decisions he said, will be implemented when necessary to keep the territory and the lives of the people safe.