Bryan eased stay-at-home restrictions and moved U.S. Virgin Islands to Safer at Home status

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. said on September 8, 2020, that several restrictions under the U.S. Virgin Islands' stay-at-home order had expired, moving the territory to "Safer at Home" status and allowing nonessential businesses to reopen.

Bryan said leisure travel was scheduled to resume on September 19, 2020, allowing hotels, Airbnbs, villas and other tourist accommodations to begin taking reservations again.

Under the new phase, visits to nursing homes and senior assisted-living facilities remained prohibited, bars remained closed, and beaches were set to close at 4 p.m. on weekends. Restrictions on gatherings of more than 50 people, along with facial-covering and social-distancing requirements, also remained in effect.

Restaurants were allowed to resume dine-in service under conditions that included no alcohol service at bar counters, no more than six people per table, tables spaced 6 feet apart, facial coverings for employees at all times, and facial coverings for patrons when not seated.

Churches and other houses of worship were allowed to reopen with a maximum of 50 people and could serve communion under Health Department guidelines. Casinos and gaming establishments were permitted to reopen beginning September 19, 2020, under protocols set by the Health Department and the Casino Control Commission. Private school campuses also were allowed to reopen if they followed Health Department guidance.

Bryan said all visitors and residents entering the territory had to provide proof of a negative PCR test or quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. He also said airport testing was expected to begin by the end of September 2020.

The government reported 103 active COVID-19 cases as of September 8, 2020. It said 17,495 people had been tested, with 16,253 negative results and 1,191 positive results. The territory reported 1,070 recoveries and 18 deaths.

Officials said two COVID-19 patients were hospitalized at Juan F. Luis Hospital on St. Croix, including one on a ventilator, and seven were hospitalized at Schneider Regional Medical Center on St. Thomas, including four on ventilators.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/governor-bryan-moves-territory-to-safer-at-home-status/