🏛️ Government · U.S. Virgin Islands
Bryan reinstated some COVID-19 restrictions as U.S. Virgin Islands active cases rose to 544
Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. said on Dec. 27, 2021, that active COVID-19 cases in the U.S. Virgin Islands had risen to 544 from about 70 a week earlier and that the seven-day positivity rate had increased to 11.6% from 1.6% over the same period.
After a briefing with President Joe Biden and Dr. Anthony Fauci, Bryan said the territory would reinstate some restrictions through Jan. 10, 2022. Government employees who could work remotely were directed to do so from Dec. 28 through Jan. 10, and in-person government services were to be limited during that period.
Bryan said bars, restaurants and nightclubs would return to an 11 p.m. last call and a midnight closing time, effective immediately. For New Year’s Eve, last call was set for 1 a.m. and closing for 2 a.m. He also said planned Crucian Christmas Festival events on Jan. 4, 5 and 6 would be canceled.
Beginning Jan. 3, 2022, all travelers entering the territory were to be required to present a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before arrival, regardless of vaccination status. Bryan said the requirement would remain in place for at least 30 days.
Bryan said his administration had not made a decision on the planned reopening of schools on Jan. 10 and was evaluating the matter with the Education and Health departments.
As of Dec. 26, the territory was tracking 544 active cases, including 240 on St. Croix, 296 on St. Thomas and eight on St. John. Four COVID-19 patients were hospitalized, including one at Juan F. Luis Hospital on St. Croix and three at Schneider Regional Medical Center on St. Thomas, according to Government House.