US Virgin Islands: Authorities likely to maintain COVID-19 restrictions through early January 2021 /update 2

Event

Authorities in the US Virgin Islands (USVI) are likely to maintain the existing internal restrictions relating to safer-at-home orders through at least early January 2021. The measures are the third level in a five-level scale ranging from "Total Quarantine" to "New Normal." Most nonessential commercial activity is permitted, though the following measures are in place:

• All nonessential businesses and service providers may reopen.

• Bars and restaurants are opened for sit-in services subject to strict operating protocols and physical distancing requirements.

• All gatherings are limited to 50-percent capacity or 100 people for indoor and outdoor gatherings.

• Places of worship may offer services at 50-percent capacity or 100 people, whichever is less.

• All beaches will close by 1600 on weekends and holidays; officials will make an exemption for fishers.

• Individuals are required to wear facemasks during any gathering of people or at any commercial location.

• All approved businesses and facilities are required to ensure that customers maintain a distance of 1.8 meters (6 feet) from one another.

Governor Albert Bryan previously announced concurrent stricter restrictions on group activities for the Thanksgiving period in late November. As of Dec. 1, these measures remain in place and will likely be enforced through the December holiday period as well. These measures include a moratorium on all permits for large events. Activities that attract large groups of people in public spaces, including sports tournaments and food sales, have been suspended. The governor has urged that social gatherings at home be limited to no more than 10 people. Authorities have ordered a "soft shutdown" of executive branch agencies, requiring government offices to minimize staffing until Dec. 13; members of the private sector are urged to do the same.

International Travel Requirements

The territory reopened to all leisure travel in September. Every traveler aged five and over entering the USVI must use the online Traveler Screening Portal to upload a negative COVID-19 test taken up to five days before arrival or be subject to a mandatory 14-day self-quarantine. Travelers will be subject to mandatory temperature testing upon arrival. All restrictions are subject to amendment at short notice.  

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Confirm appointments. Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.