Governor Bryan Issues New Restrictions For Travel and More
[Please go to Paradise Connections Covid-19 information page to learn the latest on the US Virgin Islands covid-19 protocols]
During Governor
Albert Bryan's Thursday coronavirus press briefing he announced that effective immediately all bars in the territory are ordered closed, including bars located at restaurants, though restaurants are allowed to continue operating. Beaches will close at 4:00 p.m. on the weekends and holidays until further notice. Also, all retail facilities in the U.S. Virgin Islands are barred from selling alcohol after 11:00 p.m. Gaming centers and casinos are closed as well.
Concerning travel to the US Virgin Islands, Gov. Bryan announced seven additional states to his original hot spot list. The new list now includes states with a 10% positivity rate or higher. These states are: Arizona, Mississippi, Florida, South Carolina, Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Nevada, Idaho, Kansas, and Puerto Rico.
For passengers coming from these states, Gov. Bryan said a coronavirus test showing a negative result must be provided to local officials. The test must be conducted within five days, an expansion to Monday's order which called for tests to be conducted within 72 hours before the traveler's arrival to the territory. These tests will be required for travelers age 15 or older.
Protocols for Limetree Bay refinery and storage terminal employees on St. Croix have also been updated.
Mass gatherings of 50 people or more are discouraged.
Should the territory's positive cases continue to increase next week, the governor said his team is looking at the possibility of stopping hotel reservations again and going back to the “Safer at Home” designation.
The Governor said "Please, the virus is alive and it's in our community, let's stop the spread,"
