US Virgin Islands: Authorities tighten COVID-19-related restrictions on entertainment establishments as of Dec. 18 /update 11

US Virgin Islands tightens COVID-19-related restrictions on entertainment establishments as of Dec. 18. Other measures remain in force.

Event

As of Dec. 18, authorities in the US Virgin Islands (USVI) have tightened restrictions on entertainment establishments as part of ongoing efforts to curb the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), especially over the holiday period. Officials ordered all nightclubs to close from 1700 Dec. 17, while all bars will be required to close Dec. 25-Jan. 8, 2021. Officials have also emphasized that the wearing of facemasks is mandatory in all public spaces.

These additional restrictions will coincide with the territory's long-standing safer-at-home orders. The measures are the third level in a five-level scale ranging from "Total Quarantine" to "New Normal." The following measures form part of the order:

All nonessential businesses and service providers may reopen, with the exception of the bars and nightclubs according to the most recent announcement on closures.
Bars (until Dec. 25) 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.
All approved businesses and facilities are required to ensure that customers maintain a distance of 1.8 meters (6 feet) from one another.

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.