As we prepare to reopen the Virgin Islands’ borders to leisure guests on September 19th, we urge visitors to heed the guidelines issued by the government in order to prevent another outbreak. Governor Albert Bryan Jr. officially ushered in the “Safer at Home” phase last week. This phase allows nonessential workers to return to their jobs, while also calling for people to stay in their homes whenever possible. When in public spaces, everyone is required to wear a mask. Failure to wear your mouth covering can result in a $50 fine for your first offense and a $100 fine for every offense thereafter. Please apply hand sanitizer before you enter and before you exit an establishment. You may wish to carry your own personal hand sanitizer, or you may use the sanitizer that is provided by the business. Many people have expressed discomfort from the harsh and drying effects of hand sanitizer. However, you must remember that you have chosen to visit someone else’s home, and your refusal of hand sanitizer could result in another outbreak, another shutdown, and an increase in deaths. If you are unwilling to wear your mask properly or are reluctant to use hand sanitizer, stay home.
All visitors– locals and tourists alike– must have a negative test before arriving at the airport. Please carry documentation of your negative Covid status. Those who fail to have proof of negative testing will be required to quarantine for 14 days. If you show symptoms of Covid-19 during your stay, call the Virgin Islands Department of Health hotline at (340-776-1519) to schedule an appointment for testing. For those who test positive, it is mandatory that you quarantine for at least 10 days.
Upon opening of hotels, casinos, and gaming centers on September 19th, we must adhere to social distancing guidelines. Large gatherings are limited to 50 people, with masks and 6 foot social distancing being a requirement. Restaurants are allowed a maximum of 6 people per table, and tables must be 6 feet apart. While dining, you are allowed to remove your mask once seated at your table. If you get up from your seat for any reason, say to use the bathroom, you are required to put your mask back on for the safety of yourself and those around you. Bar counters will remain closed even after our borders open to prevent mindless congregating. Beaches will be open 24/7 on weekdays, however, they will shut down at 4PM on weekends and on holidays in the effort to avoid partying in large numbers.
By following Covid protocols, we put our people first. After all, there is no economy without our diligent workers. Vacationing on St. John may serve as a temporary escape for many visitors, but for our residents it is permanent. Opening our borders during the pandemic will affect us long after our guests are gone. Keeping that in mind, we ask visitors to treat our people and our home with respect. We aim to keep our community safe during this pandemic, and we are more than happy to share our island so long as our guests are courteous.