CRUISE SHIP VISITS SET TO RETURN
Written by Fuze Social Team on September 6, 2021
Cruise ship passengers and crew arriving in the territory for less than 24 hours and are fully vaccinated would not be required to test on arrival, however they would have to operate within a bubble.
This was announced by Premier Andrew Fahie during a press conference where he said that decision was made by Cabinet, and it would be subject to enhanced monitoring and enforcement.
Premier Fahie said they have been in discussions with their partners in the cruise industry, adding they can all appreciate the complexity of bringing large numbers of persons into the Territory and having them moving to the various locations, entering business places and taxis, and interacting with persons.
He said the situation therefore means they have choices to make and they must try and strike the balance where lives are protected, and they have to do that while balancing the positive benefits for the economy while mitigating against the risks to the economy.
According to the Premier in light of what they have said, they in the Virgin Islands have relied on the advice of their health and other technical officers who are guided by the science and the best practice in their respective fields.
Premier Fahie explained that cruise ship passengers wishing not to be part of the bubble and be allowed to move freely in the territory will be subject to an approved rapid test with results available within five minutes.
