Bryan administration raised worship attendance cap and warned of prosecution for forged COVID-19 test results

Government House said on March 29, 2021, that houses of worship in the U.S. Virgin Islands could increase attendance to 200 people or 50% of capacity, whichever was less.

Communications Director Richard Motta Jr. said the change took effect immediately. He said churches still were required to enforce mask use and social distancing.

At the same briefing, Attorney Eric Chancellor of the Virgin Islands Department of Justice's Criminal Division said the Office of the Attorney General would prosecute people who submitted forged COVID-19 test results through the Department of Tourism travel portal.

Government House said two Virgin Islands statutes could apply: Title 14, Section 843, covering false and fraudulent statements to the government, and Title 14, Section 795, covering forged instruments.

Also on March 29, the Emergency Rental Assistance Program opened to residents who had fallen behind on rent or utilities because of the pandemic, according to Government House.

Government House also said the Bureau of Internal Revenue and the Department of Finance planned to issue 6,424 income-tax refunds totaling $15.7 million for tax year 2018.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/governor-bryan-eases-seating-capacity-restrictions-for-houses-of-worship/