Bryan closed territorial beaches through April 20 amid COVID-19 response

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. said on April 6, 2020, that all beaches in the U.S. Virgin Islands would close through April 20 as part of the territory’s response to COVID-19.

Bryan said the Virgin Islands National Guard would support the Virgin Islands Police Department and the Department of Planning and Natural Resources in enforcing the order. He said the stay-at-home order remained in effect through April 30.

At a Government House briefing in Christiansted on April 6, officials said 283 people had been tested for the coronavirus, with 222 negative results, 43 positive results and 20 pending tests. Of the 43 positive cases, 36 people had recovered, one person had died and six active cases were being monitored by the Virgin Islands Department of Health.

Officials said one COVID-19 patient was hospitalized at Juan F. Luis Hospital on St. Croix and two COVID-19 patients were hospitalized at Schneider Regional Medical Center on St. Thomas.

Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion said updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended face coverings as a voluntary public-health measure. She said there was no mandate to wear masks.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/governor-bryan-closes-territorial-beaches-until-april-20/