Governor Albert Bryan Jr. moved the Territory up to “Safer at Home” status, meaning that nonessential businesses are allowed to reopen.
Also said the Territory is scheduled to allow leisure travel on September 19, hotels, Airbnbs, villas and other tourist accommodations may begin taking reservations again. Visitation to nursing homes and senior assisted living facilities remains prohibited, bars are to remain closed, and beaches are to close at 4 p.m. on weekends. “The restriction on gatherings greater than 50 persons and the requirements of facial coverings and social distancing remain in effect.”
Restaurants will be allowed to resume dine-in operations under the following conditions:
· No serving of alcohol at bar counters
· No more than six persons per table
· Tables must be 6 feet apart
· Employees must wear facial coverings at all times
· Patrons should wear facial coverings whenever they are not seated at a table
Other restrictions that have changed under the “Safer at Home” status include:
· Churches and houses of worship may reopen with a maximum of 50 people and will be allowed to serve communion according to guidelines of the Virgin Islands Department of Health
· Casinos and gaming establishments may reopen beginning September 19 under protocols established by the Department of Health and the Casino Commission
· Private school campuses can reopen provided that they adhere to Department of Health guidelines
· All visitors and residents must provide proof of a negative PCR test to enter the Territory or go into 14-day quarantine upon arrival.
At the Health, Hospital and Human Service Committee hearing, Dr. Simms, the Assistant Commissioner of Health, responds questions about what health department is doing to reach out to the community regarding COVID-19.
Out of concern, Sen. Allison L. DeGazon is proposing legislation to assist the vulnerable portion of the community currently relying on unemployment assistance during hard times due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The submitted legislation is an act authorizing the Government of the Virgin Islands to borrow 3 million from the Unemployment Trust Fund to fulfill the local match obligation so qualified persons can continue to receive additional unemployment benefits.
Some states are using an idea similar to the senator’s proposal by seeking a loan from the U.S. Treasury to sustain payments through October.
The unemployment rate in the Virgin Islands rose from 4.9 percent in January to 13.6 percent in May after forced lockdowns and business closures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. DOL also noted that in April, they received well over 4,000 unemployment applications with more expected.