Bryan ordered COVID-19 travel limits, bar closures and earlier weekend beach shutdowns

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. said on July 9, 2020, that beginning July 15, 2020, travelers arriving in the U.S. Virgin Islands from 10 states identified as COVID-19 hot spots would be required to present proof of a negative test taken within five days before arrival or self-quarantine for 14 days.

The administration said the territory would use Johns Hopkins University data updated daily and a threshold of 10% positivity, or 10 or more positive cases per 100,000 population, to determine which states were subject to the requirement. The states listed on July 9 were Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, Mississippi, Nevada, South Carolina and Texas.

Bryan also ordered bars closed across the territory, including bars in hotels and restaurants, and prohibited patrons from sitting or standing at bars. Customers were still allowed to order drinks and return to their tables. The 11 p.m. last call and midnight closure remained in effect.

Beaches were ordered to close at 4 p.m. on weekends and holidays until further notice. Restrictions on mass gatherings also remained in effect, and events or parties that encouraged large congregations were prohibited.

The governor said Limetree Bay had temporarily halted incoming travel for contractors, locked down its man camp for two weeks, asked contractors living outside the camp to self-isolate for 14 days, and agreed to test all employees on a rotating basis.

During the briefing, the government said the territory was tracking 57 active COVID-19 cases. It said 3,610 people had been tested, with 144 positive results, 3,370 negative results, 96 pending tests and six fatalities. Two COVID-19 patients were hospitalized at Juan F. Luis Hospital on St. Croix, including one on a ventilator, and none were hospitalized at Schneider Regional Medical Center on St. Thomas.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/governor-bryan-tightens-restrictions-on-air-arrivals-beaches-and-bars/