Bryan ordered non-essential businesses to close and urged residents to stay home

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. on March 21, 2020, ordered non-essential businesses in the U.S. Virgin Islands to cease in-person operations until at least April 6 and urged residents to stay home unless absolutely necessary as part of the territory’s response to COVID-19.

Government House said there was no curfew in place, but residents were asked to continue following containment guidance from the Virgin Islands Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The administration also said hotels, guest houses, villas, bed and breakfasts and similar businesses should not accept new guests for 30 days.

Government House said essential businesses allowed to continue operating included grocery and convenience stores, pet supply stores, restaurants offering delivery, drive-through or carryout service, farming, livestock and fishing operations, home-based care and residential facilities, media outlets, gas stations, auto-supply and repair businesses, banks and credit unions, hardware and building supply stores, laundromats and dry cleaners, certain maintenance and sanitation service providers, businesses supplying office and computer products for remote work, logistics and delivery companies, transportation providers, professional services such as legal and accounting services, childcare facilities serving essential workers, and shelters and similar housing providers.

Government House said Bryan and Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion were scheduled to provide an update on the territory’s COVID-19 response at 1 p.m. on March 23, 2020, at Government House in Christiansted.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/governor-bryan-advises-residents-to-stay-at-home-2/