Bryan sought SBA disaster declaration for Virgin Islands businesses amid COVID-19 losses

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. sent a letter on March 21, 2020, to U.S. Small Business Administration Director Kem Fleming requesting a disaster declaration for the U.S. Virgin Islands to make local businesses eligible for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans.

Government House said the request was tied to financial losses businesses were experiencing as the COVID-19 outbreak disrupted economic activity in the territory.

The administration said businesses had shortened hours and limited the number of customers entering establishments as residents practiced social distancing and avoided gatherings of more than 10 people. It also said the tourism, hospitality and leisure sector had been hit by the temporary suspension of cruise ship calls and a sharp reduction in air travel.

On March 20, 2020, Bryan imposed additional restrictions that limited gatherings to 10 or fewer people, restricted restaurants to takeout or pickup service, prohibited indoor dining and limited the workforce to essential employees.

In the letter, Bryan said the first wave of workers affected by COVID-19-related workforce reductions was expected to total about 11,200 people.

Government House said the Virgin Islands government surveyed businesses and submitted examples of losses in support of the request. Bryan wrote that at least five small businesses in the disaster area had suffered substantial economic injury and needed financial assistance not otherwise available on reasonable terms.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/governor-bryan-requests-disaster-declaration-from-u-s-small-business-administration/