Bryan ordered public schools to begin 2021-22 year with virtual learning on Aug. 9

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. ordered the U.S. Virgin Islands public school system to begin the 2021-22 school year with virtual learning when classes reopened on Aug. 9, 2021, citing the continuing COVID-19 surge.

Government House said on July 30, 2021, that the Virgin Islands Department of Health also advised private and parochial schools to use virtual learning during the surge.

Officials said a decision on when public schools would return to in-person instruction would depend on how the outbreak progressed. The Education Department was expected to provide details on laptop distribution, virtual orientations and other information for parents and students.

The announcement followed a July 29, 2021, Health Department advisory urging children age 12 and older in the territory to get vaccinated.

Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion said two children had recently been discharged from hospitals with COVID-19-related illness. She also said the territory had 210 active cases and a 4.58% positivity rate.

Education Commissioner Racquel Berry-Benjamin said the department had been prepared to start the school year with in-person learning but would begin virtually instead.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/governor-bryan-orders-public-schools-to-open-with-virtual-learning-out-of-abundance-of-caution-while-covid-surge-continues/