Bryan said U.S. Virgin Islands finances were strained as COVID-19 cases reached 304

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. said on July 20, 2020, that the Virgin Islands government was in a critical financial position and was seeking additional federal assistance as Congress prepared to consider a third stimulus package.

During a COVID-19 briefing, Bryan said the territory was lobbying for another round of stimulus checks, forgiveness of $300 million in Community Disaster Loans, an extension of unemployment benefits, payroll tax cuts, additional business funding, and aid for states and schools.

Bryan also said the latest restrictions on beaches and bars, along with screening procedures at the Limetree Bay facility on St. Croix, appeared to be slowing the spread of the coronavirus. He said the territory had seen a reduction in the positivity rate while testing increased.

Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach said the amnesty period had closed on July 17, 2020, and noted that his office was a major generator of government revenue.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue was expected to finalize its list that week for Social Security recipients eligible for COVID-19 stimulus payments, with about $8 million expected to be distributed the following week.

Bryan reported 304 confirmed cases, 163 active cases, 135 recoveries and six deaths. He said 6,972 people had been tested, with 6,617 negative results and 51 pending tests.

He said one COVID-19 patient was hospitalized at Juan F. Luis Hospital on St. Croix and four were hospitalized at Schneider Regional Medical Center on St. Thomas, including one on a ventilator.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/governor-bryan-details-efforts-to-halt-virus-spread-and-keep-territory-afloat-financially/