Governor Albert Bryan Jr. on Monday closed all the beaches in the Territory until April 20 in an attempt at curbing the COVID-19 virus and as a way to discourage some residents from ignoring the stay-at-home order and negating social and physical distancing. “This order will remain in effect through Monday, April 20,” Governor Bryan said. “The Virgin Islands National Guard will be deployed to support VIPD and DPNR to enforce this order.” The Governor expressed regret that the Easter holiday would be impacted by the spread of COVID-19; however, he reiterated that all places of worship must remain closed during the stay-at-home order, which is in effect until April 30.
The Department of Health said the 85-year-old man who died from COVID-19 had an underlying medical condition. "He unknowingly met a confirmed COVID-19 case that traveled to the St. Thomas from Anguilla. He was not hospitalized at the time of his death and died at home," D.O.H. said while this death was not a result of community transmission, persons may encounter someone who is infected unbeknownst to them.
Commissioner of health Encarnacion acknowledges rise in Domestic violence and suicide.
The chairman of the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority’s (WAPA) governing board, Commissioner Anthony D. Thomas, on requested WAPA’s management develop a long-term sustainable financial plan. The board has directed management to immediately end all discretionary spending, curtail inter-island and off-island travel, continue to limit off-island training and conferences to only operational employees, and to maintain the practice of adopting serious budgets that are aimed at reducing spending and cutting debt.
The Estate Richmond Power Plant has completed repairs to the damaged switchgear which contributed to electrical service interruptions on St. Croix this weekend. The switchgear has been returned to service, and plant operations are normalized.
Department of Education SAY’S all public schools will remain closed through April 30. Students are required to snap photos of their completed assignment packets and submit those photos to their teachers on or before April 24. An update on the status of schools for the remainder of the school year, 4, will be issued later this month.