Bryan announced Nov. 27 administrative leave, remote-work period and event-permit moratorium ahead of Thanksgiving

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. said on Nov. 25, 2020, that nonessential government employees would receive administrative leave on Friday, Nov. 27, which he designated as a "Day of Family, Prayer, and Reflection."

During a weekly COVID-19 update, Bryan also said he was calling the 33rd Legislature into special session on Dec. 3 to consider a second securitization bill aimed at refinancing government debt and generating revenue for priorities including the Government Employees’ Retirement System and infrastructure projects.

Bryan said the government would begin a two-week "soft shutdown" after Thanksgiving weekend, with department heads and commissioners asked to allow staff to work remotely during that period.

He also announced a moratorium on permits for large events, saying no permits would be issued until further notice for activities in public spaces, sports tournaments or food sales.

Ahead of Thanksgiving gatherings, Bryan urged residents to follow U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance, including holding meals outdoors when possible, improving ventilation indoors, limiting gatherings to 10 people or fewer, wearing masks, maintaining distance from people outside the household, and encouraging handwashing and sanitizer use.

The Government House update said the territory was tracking 57 active COVID-19 cases as of Nov. 25, 2020. It said 27,823 people had been tested, with 26,277 negative results and 1,507 positive results, 1,427 recoveries and 23 deaths. No COVID-19 patients were hospitalized at Juan F. Luis Hospital on St. Croix or Schneider Regional Medical Center on St. Thomas, according to the update.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/governor-bryan-covid-19-task-force-urge-extra-caution-for-thanksgiving-holiday-gatherings/