USVI eased COVID-19 travel testing rule and announced youth vaccine incentive

Lt. Gov. Tregenza A. Roach said at the Government House weekly briefing on Feb. 1, 2022, that the U.S. Virgin Islands would ease some COVID-19 travel restrictions beginning Feb. 2 as active cases declined.

Starting Feb. 2, travelers entering the territory no longer had to present a negative PCR or antigen test taken within 72 hours of arrival. Instead, travelers were required to provide either a negative PCR or antigen test taken within five days of travel or proof of a U.S. Virgin Islands vaccination record.

Roach also said the territory's COVID-19 death toll had passed 100. Government House reported 101 fatalities as of Feb. 1.

The government also announced a second $250 Visa gift card incentive for children and youths ages 5 to 17 who were fully vaccinated by March 11. The program began Jan. 31. Children who received the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine by March 11 were eligible, while those who received only a first dose by that date were not. Government House said children who were already fully vaccinated also would receive a $250 gift card, with distribution set to begin Feb. 16.

The Department of Health also changed testing hours beginning Feb. 2 to 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. by appointment. On St. John, testing hours remained noon to 3 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the V.I. Port Authority gravel lot.

Government House reported a seven-day positivity rate of 4.37% and 473 active cases as of Feb. 1, including 303 on St. Croix, 145 on St. Thomas and 25 on St. John. It said 20 COVID-19 patients were hospitalized territorywide, including four on ventilators.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/lt-governor-roach-announces-ease-of-omicron-travel-restrictions-as-covid-19-cases-in-continue-to-decline-throughout-territory/