Bryan eased some COVID-19 restrictions in U.S. Virgin Islands and expanded booster eligibility

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. said during a Government House briefing on October 26, 2021, that several COVID-19 restrictions in the U.S. Virgin Islands would be eased effective 5 p.m. on October 29, 2021, as active cases declined.

The government removed the moratorium on alcohol sales after 11 p.m., allowing bars and restaurants to remain open according to the hours on their business licenses. The administration also lifted the ban on dancing in establishments, though masks were still required while dancing.

Bryan said the maximum number of people allowed in an establishment would increase to 250 for events hosting vaccinated people only. The limit for events with a mix of vaccinated and unvaccinated patrons remained 50. He said the Virgin Islands Department of Health could approve larger gatherings.

Territorial Epidemiologist Dr. Esther Ellis said the Health Department was offering COVID-19 booster shots for all three vaccines to residents age 18 and older at community vaccination centers in each district.

Bryan also said the Department of Finance was preparing checks for repayment of 8% VIESA payroll reductions and urged current and former government employees to verify claims through the Department of Personnel website.

Government House reported that as of October 25, 2021, the territory had a 1.67% seven-day positivity rate and 83 active COVID-19 cases, including 67 on St. Croix and 16 on St. Thomas. It reported 81 fatalities, four hospitalized COVID-19 patients at Juan F. Luis Medical Center on St. Croix, including one on a ventilator, and no hospitalized COVID-19 patients at Schneider Regional Medical Center on St. Thomas.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/governor-bryan-removes-some-covid-19-restrictions-amid-decline-in-number-of-active-cases-in-usvi/