VI Government to Enforce Stricter Measures to Prevent Spread of Coronavirus

Effective Saturday, March 21st at 6:00 a.m., businesses in the Virgin Islands will have to abide by a strict edict from VI government.

At a Thursday news conference, to update the public on measures to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus in the territory, Governor Albert Bryan Jr. announced in-person events will be limited to 10 individuals.

Meaning businesses like bars and restaurants will be prohibited from seating 10 people or more at any one time. Bryan says this will be strictly enforced.

Establishments which are exempt from the rule are larger businesses like grocery stores, where social distancing is more easily done.

Bryan says the VI government is working together to try to secure small business loans to the many businesses being financially impacted by these measures.

Also at Thursday’s news conference, the governor said there are no intentions to close the airports in St. Croix and St. Thomas, in order to restrict travel in and out of the territory.

The British Virgin Islands have decided to close its airports and seaports to non-residents for the next 30 days.

Governor Bryan says they are in constant contact with the federal government and continually getting updates on recommended travel restrictions, but again, as of now closing airports is not something the VI is considering.