The British Virgin Islands has implemented a ban on flights from Brazil and South Africa in the wake of reports of new strains of COVID-19 emerging in both countries.

The

announcement was recently made by Health Minister Carvin Malone.

This

is in addition to a travel ban on flights from the Dominican Republic and the

United Kingdom that came into effect on January 11.

“In

a most recent Cabinet meeting, in light of new strains of COVID-19 being

prevalent in South Africa and Brazil, a decision was taken that in addition to

the United Kingdom and the Dominican Republic, to implement a travel ban on

persons travelling from South Africa and Brazil to the Virgin Islands,” Malone

explained.

However,

he said the ban does not apply to BVI nationals, Belongers, residents, work

permit holders, diplomats and government workers travelling from these

countries.

Malone also reiterated they will be subjected to a 14-day quarantine period once they travelled from the affected countries.

–CMC