{"id":582,"date":"2020-07-24T13:43:14","date_gmt":"2020-07-24T13:43:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vi.gov\/covid\/?page_id=582"},"modified":"2020-08-02T00:18:09","modified_gmt":"2020-08-02T00:18:09","slug":"covid-timeline","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.vi.gov\/covid\/covid-timeline\/","title":{"rendered":"COVID-19 Response Timeline"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column]

<\/div>
2020<\/span><\/div>
February 1, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

Governor Albert Bryan Jr. establishes a Coronavirus (COVID-19) Task Force led by Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion and comprising Cabinet members, agency officials, and disease specialists.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

March 13, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

Governor Bryan\u00a0declares\u00a0<\/a>a state of emergency for the United States Virgin Islands. Among other actions, the declaration places a moratorium on permits for mass gatherings and cancels the upcoming St. Patrick\u2019s Day parade on St. Croix.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

March 13, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs Commissioner Richard Evangelista\u00a0institutes<\/a>\u00a0a price freeze until further notice.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

March 16, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

On the authority granted to him under the state of emergency, the Governor\u00a0announces<\/a>\u00a0he\u00a0is closing<\/a>\u00a0all public schools through April 14. On the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Virgin Islands Department of Health, the Governor also bans gatherings of more than 50 people and postpones the USVI Carnival.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

March 16, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

The Virgin Islands Department of Human Services\u00a0asks<\/a>\u00a0all senior citizens to sign up for the Emergency Assistance Senior Registry.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

March 17, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

The Bureau of Motor Vehicles\u00a0institutes\u00a0<\/a>new procedures to help limit the spread of COVID-19, including limiting the number of customers permitted at any given time and online vehicle registration.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

March 18, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

The Governor directs\u00a0<\/strong>commissioners and directors to implement different telework, flexible work schedules, and social distancing practices until further notice.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

March 19, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

During a press conference to update residents on the territory\u2019s response to COVID-19, the Governor cites CDC guidelines and asks residents to restrict gatherings to 10 persons and practice social distancing. He also asks bars and restaurants to limit service to take-out and pick-up and asks non-essential businesses to limit operations.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

March 20, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

Governor Bryan\u00a0requests<\/a>\u00a0a Disaster Declaration from the Small Business Administration to mitigate COVID-19, which the Small Business Administration grants the following day.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

March 20, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

The Governor\u00a0sends<\/a>\u00a0proposed legislation down to the V.I. Legislature requesting emergency authorization to use public funds and issue bonds and revenue anticipation notes for up to $60 million to fight COVID-19 in the USVI.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

March 21, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

Governor Bryan\u00a0advises<\/a>\u00a0residents to stay at home and all non-essential businesses to close.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

March 23, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

The Governor\u00a0issues<\/a>\u00a0a \u201cstay-at-home\u201d order and orders all non-essential businesses to remain closed, beginning March 25, 2020. The order also officially limits gatherings to 10 persons or fewer, closes all bars, prohibits restaurants from offering dining room service, and limits taxis and safaris to half-capacity passenger loads. The order also limits the Government of the Virgin Islands to non-essential operations, suspends all landlord requests for rent and\/or evictions, and allows Government employee retirees to re-enter the workforce with having to sacrifice their retirement benefits.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

March 24, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

The Virgin Islands Tourism Department\u00a0says<\/a>\u00a0it is temporarily closing.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

March 25, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

The Virgin Islands Department of Education\u00a0announces<\/a>\u00a0it will begin distributing breakfast and lunch on March 26 to students attending all public, private and parochial schools in its \u201cNo V.I. Child Goes Hungry\u201d feeding initiative.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

March 26, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

Government of the Virgin Islands agencies and departments\u00a0change<\/a>\u00a0their operations to suspend in-person services, and instead direct residents to their websites to keep Government obligations and services active.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

March 26, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

Governor Bryan\u00a0hosts<\/a>\u00a0an informal town hall meeting with residents via social media; thousands of residents participate.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

March 27, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

During a press conference to update residents on the USVI\u2019s response to the COVID-19 Virus, Governor Bryan announces that 12 pallets of medical supplies related to COVID-19 containment have arrived in the territory and says more are on the way. He also says the number of cases of COVID-19 in the Territory has risen to 30; however, about two-thirds of the samples test negative for the virus.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

March 27, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

The Governor\u00a0issues<\/a>\u00a0a proclamation calling for a \u201cDay of Prayer\u201d in the USVI.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

March 28, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

Governor Bryan and First Lady Yolanda Bryan\u00a0host<\/a>\u00a0a \u201cDay of Prayer, Fasting, and Reflection,\u201d with more than two dozen clergy involved and 5-minute prayers broadcast on radio stations throughout the territory every hour for 24 hours.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

March 30, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

Governor Bryan\u00a0issues<\/a>\u00a0a third executive order that extends the stay-at-home directive and the closure of non-essential businesses to April 30. Additionally, the new order requires closure of beach restaurants.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

April 1, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

The Governor\u00a0announces<\/a>\u00a0that the territory received testing materials to do the tests locally and be able to have the results back in 24 hours or less. He also announces a second shipment of medical supplies arrived.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

April 2, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

President Donald Trump\u00a0approves<\/a>\u00a0a Major Disaster Declaration for the U.S. Virgin Islands, which opens the door to getting federal assistance to mitigate the COVID-19 virus.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

April 2, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

The Law Enforcement Planning Commission\u00a0announces<\/a>\u00a0$2.9 million in Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding that is earmarked for supporting first responders with equipment and other needs, as well as provide health care for inmates at the Bureau of Corrections.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

April 3, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

Governor Bryan\u00a0urges<\/a>\u00a0local business owners to take advantage of the U.S. Small Business Association\u2019s \u201cPaycheck Protection Program,\u201d which will provide loans to businesses so they can keep their employees on the payroll.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

April 5, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

The V.I. Health Department\u00a0announces<\/a>\u00a0the territory\u2019s first death from COVID-19: an 85-year-old male St. Thomas resident with underlying medical conditions who unknowingly came into contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case that traveled to the island from Anguilla.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

April 6, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

Governor Bryan\u00a0closes<\/a>\u00a0all beaches in the Territory through April 20.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

April 7, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

Government of the Virgin Islands agencies and departments continue adjusting their operations to provide vital services to residents of the territory.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

April 8, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

In his last press briefing before the long Easter holiday, Governor Albert Bryan Jr.\u00a0clarifies<\/a>\u00a0for residents the powers and authorizations of sworn peace officers during a state of emergency.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

April 9, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

The\u00a0<\/strong>Governor\u00a0updates<\/a>\u00a0residents on the efforts of his Marine Task Force, an appointed group of stakeholders from the Marine industry, to track all boats moored in Territorial waters. The number of boaters moored in the USVI has increased dramatically as people try to flee COVID-19 in other jurisdictions.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

April 10, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

The Anderson Stewart Family Foundation, a local 501(c)3 organization,\u00a0gives<\/a>\u00a0the USVI a $1 million grant to fight COVID-19.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

April 13, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

Governor Bryan\u00a0announces<\/a>\u00a0that the U.S. Department of the Interior\u2019s Office of Insular Affairs has given the U.S. Virgin Islands $7,863,776 in funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act federal COVID-19 stimulus bill.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

April 13, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

The Federal Aviation Administration\u00a0awards<\/a>\u00a0the U.S. Virgin Islands $41,145,247 to maintain the territory\u2019s airports as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act federal stimulus bill.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

April 14, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

The Governor signs into law<\/a>\u00a0legislation authorizing his Administration to issue Revenue Anticipation Notes up to $120 million to fight COVID-19.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

April 15, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

Governor Bryan\u00a0announces<\/a>\u00a0that the Government of the Virgin Islands will subsidize ratepayers of the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority by providing credits to their accounts of $250 for individuals and $500 for businesses.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

April 16, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

Governor Bryan\u00a0sends a letter<\/a>\u00a0to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell; House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy and Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer requesting additional federal assistance to help offset the devastating loss of the U.S. Virgin Islands\u2019 Tourism industry.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

April 17, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

During a press conference, the\u00a0<\/strong>Governor\u00a0addresses the transportation issues<\/a>\u00a0facing disabled and elderly residents and says he is considering using the VITRAN public bus system, which has suspended services, and enlisting private taxi services to help those residents run their daily errands. The Governor also announces the second fatality in the Territory from COVID-19: 72-year-old St. Thomas woman with a history of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

April 18, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

The Virgin Islands National Guard\u00a0begins construction<\/a>\u00a0at its Regional Training Institute on St. Croix to repurpose it as a quarantine center for COVID-19 patients.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

April 20, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

Governor Bryan\u00a0issues<\/a>\u00a0a fifth supplemental Executive Order that reopens the public beaches in the territory.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

April 20, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

During his COVID-19 update to the public, Governor Bryan\u00a0announces<\/a>\u00a0the third death from COVID-19, a 77-year-old man from St. Croix with an underlying history of health issues and who had recently traveled from Florida.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

April 21, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

The Office of Management and Budget\u00a0institutes<\/a>\u00a0the state-of-the-art grants management system eCivis across all agencies and departments in the Government of the Virgin Islands. The system tracks grants from inception to payout and closure.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

April 22, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

Governor Bryan\u00a0announces<\/a>\u00a0that his Administration received $75 million from the federal CARES Act, which will allow for the Government of the Virgin Islands to provide a subsidy for V.I. Water and Power Authority ratepayers, assist the passenger ferry operators, which have cut back their passenger loads for social distancing, and to offer transportation assistance for disabled and elderly residents.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

April 23, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

Governor Bryan\u2019s \u201crent freeze\u201d begins as per his\u00a0fifth supplemental executive order<\/a>\u00a0and will be in effect for the duration of the state of emergency.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

April 24, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

Governor Bryan\u00a0announces<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>that his Administration is pursuing several avenues to provide additional health care staffing and is in final negotiations with Doctors Without Borders, the Islamic Medical Association and other programs to bring physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, infection specialists and others to bolster our team<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

April 25, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

The Virgin Islands Energy Office\u00a0issues an advisory<\/a>\u00a0telling residents how they can conserve power during the COVID-19 pandemic.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

April 26, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

Governor Bryan\u2019s Administration continues to stockpile resources and supplies to fight the spread of the virus, and the territory is awaiting the delivery of additional ventilators Personal Protective Equipment, including overalls, face-shields, 60,000 regular masks and 50,000 N-95 masks.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

April 27, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

Governor Bryan formally\u00a0announces<\/a>\u00a0the YES Program (Your Energy Stimulus) for customers of the V.I. Water and Power Authority, which will provide a $250 credit to each residential account and a $500 credit for each commercial account.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

April 27, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

Governor Bryan\u00a0announces<\/a>\u00a0the territory\u2019s fourth fatality from COVID-19, a 67-year-old St. Croix woman who died in her home and had not been hospitalized and tested positive for the virus after her death.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

April 28, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

Virgin Islands business owners resume applying for the U.S. Small Business Administration\u2019s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which offers businesses loans that will be forgiven if the company keeps all employees on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for rent, mortgage interest or utilities. To date, 240 Virgin Islands businesses have received more than $62 million under the PPP.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

April 29, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

In observance of the hard work and dedication of the front-line workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Bryan\u00a0issues an executive order<\/a>\u00a0approving administrative leave for non-essential government employees to commemorate Carnival on St. Thomas, which was cancelled this year because of the coronavirus outbreak<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

April 30, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

Governor Bryan begins implementing a\u00a0sixth supplemental executive order<\/a>\u00a0that outlines the conditions regulating the territory\u2019s anticipated move to the next phase \u2013 called \u201cSafer at Home\u201d \u2013 of reopening the territory\u2019s economy. The \u201cSafer At Home\u201d order will become effective on May 4 and be used as the guidelines for reopening the territory\u2019s non-essential businesses.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

May 1, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

The U.S. Virgin Islands reaches the milestone of having 1 percent of its residents tested for COVID-19.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

May 2, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

Graphic versions of the color-coded phases<\/a>\u00a0are made available to residents and businesses and showing Governor Bryan\u2019s path to a New Normal.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

May 3, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

Residents and businesses prepare for Governor Bryan\u2019s\u00a0\u201cNo Mask, No Service\u201d order<\/a>\u00a0requiring all patrons of businesses to wear masks and all employees interacting with the public also to wear masks.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

May 4, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

The first day of the\u00a0\u201cSafer at Home\u201d<\/a>\u00a0phase of reopening the territory begins.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

May 5, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

The Government of the Virgin Islands\u00a0partners with Google<\/a>\u00a0to prioritize accurate local COVID-19 information when residents use the Google search engine.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

May 6, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

The Government of the Virgin Islands receives $84.7 million from the Internal Revenue Service and begins the rollout of federal stimulus checks to eligible residents.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

May 7, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

During his COVID-19 update to residents,\u00a0<\/strong>Governor Bryan says the territory has received the money from the IRS for\u00a0residents\u2019 stimulus checks<\/a>, which will begin rolling out the following week.<\/p>\n

Governor Bryan also announces he is\u00a0easing of some conditions<\/a>\u00a0of the \u201cSafer at Home\u201d reopening phase and will allow hotels to book reservations for local residents and business travelers and dive shops, day sails and other excursions will be allowed to reopen.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

May 7, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

Governor Bryan announces the death of the territory\u2019s fifth COVID-19 patient: The 72-year-old husband of the 67-year-old St. Croix woman who died in her home and had not been hospitalized.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

May 7, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

The 33rd Legislature unanimously approves Governor Bryan\u2019s request for a 60-day extension to the State of Emergency, which moves the expiration date to July 12.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

May 8, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

The U.S. Department of Labor\u00a0has awarded<\/a>\u00a0the Virgin Islands Department of Labor a $1.5 million National Dislocated Worker Grant to provide disaster-relief employment, along with employment training and service. The grant is funded under the federal CARES Act, which provided $345 million for Dislocated Worker Grants to help address workforce-related impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

May 8, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

Governor Albert Bryan\u2019s COVID-19 task force, led by Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion,\u00a0announces that it is working closely with Limetree Bay Terminals<\/a>\u00a0to enforce protocols in place to ensure new contract workers and contract workers returning to St. Croix from the U.S. Mainland are adequately screened and monitored for COVID-19. The protocols set for returning contractors include a pre-approval for travel by Limetree and a requirement to provide the Department of Health with their on-island address and flight itinerary prior to arrival.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

May 9, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

Governor Bryan\u2019s COVID-19 Task Force\u00a0announces that an individual suffering respiratory distress aboard a vessel at sea<\/a>\u00a0is one of the territory\u2019s latest COVID positive patients. The individual, who is brought to St. Thomas and immediately placed under quarantine at Schneider Regional Medical Center in critical condition was admitted after the vessel that individual was aboard was denied entry into Puerto Rico.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

May 10, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

The Territory\u00a0receives $485,000 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services<\/a>\u00a0for two clinics in the territory to expand their testing capabilities. The Frederiksted Health Clinic on St. Croix receives $275,719 and the East End Medical Center on St. Thomas receives $209,149.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

May 11, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

Governor Bryan\u00a0announces that a case of the COVID-19 drug Remdesivir<\/a>\u00a0is being sent to the territory. It is a limited supply, but Governor Bryan said more of the drug will be sent to the territory when production is increased. Governor Bryan also announces that the first round of stimulus checks \u2013 between $8 million and $10 million \u2013 are being mailed out.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

May 12, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

USVI records its sixth COVID-19 death. The deceased is a male resident of St. Croix and a close relative of the husband and wife, who were the fourth and fifth victims.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

May 12, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

The V.I. Veterans Affairs Office\u00a0begins testing<\/a>\u00a0veterans for COVID-19 in the Territory through the VA Caribbean Healthcare System, with 50 veterans on St. Croix being tested on the first day.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

May 13, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

Governor Bryan announces that he has signed into law\u00a0the 60-day extension to the State of Emergency order<\/a>\u00a0that was approved by the 33rd<\/sup>\u00a0Legislature and a bill allowing all eligible voters in the Territory to vote by absentee ballot to avoid possible contact with persons infected with COVID-19.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

May 14, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

The V.I. Office of Veterans Affairs announces that the Methodist Training and Outreach Center\u00a0was awarded additional funding<\/a>\u00a0from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for the Supportive Services for Veteran Families program to serve homeless veterans through the CARES Act. This funding is to be used to immediately meet the needs of homeless veterans or those veterans who may be facing homelessness through the loss of current housing.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

May 15, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

BMV says it will\u00a0reopen and provide all services<\/a>, except road tests and written tests for the learner\u2019s permit. Residents can drop off all required paperwork in a lock box and the BMV will call them when their documents or stickers are ready to be picked up.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

May 16, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

The Virgin Islands Finance Department issues two sets of stimulus checks<\/a>\u00a0during the week. The 6,271 checks total $9.9 million dollars.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

May 17, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

The Virgin Islands Judiciary System announces it will\u00a0expand the types of cases that will be eligible for remote hearings<\/a>\u00a0beyond matters that are emergencies or that have been expedited.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

May 18, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

Governor Bryan announces that the\u00a0Social Security Administration reaches an agreement<\/a>\u00a0with the U.S. Virgin Islands to provide data about Social Security recipients that will enable the Territory to distribute stimulus checks to the beneficiaries without their having to file a 2018 income tax return for informational purposes.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

May 19, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

Governor Bryan\u00a0resubmits the amended Cannabis Use Act<\/a>\u00a0and urges the 33rd<\/sup>\u00a0Legislature to act expeditiously on it so the Territory can begin tapping into a new revenue stream that will help restart the economy in the USVI and shore up its Government Employees Retirement System.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

May 20, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

Schneider Regional Medical Center on St. Thomas partially reopens and\u00a0begins scheduling non-high risk patients<\/a>\u00a0for elective procedures while keeping in place strict social distancing and safety protocols, such as screening all who enter the facility for COVID-19 and requiring the use of cloth face masks.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

May 21, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

Governor Bryan announces he will\u00a0ease restrictions on bars and restaurants<\/a>, allowing bars to reopen and restaurants to serve dine-in customers beginning the Tuesday after Memorial Day. All bar and restaurant employees must wear face coverings, restaurants must put tables 6 feet apart and can only operate at 50 percent of their dine-in capacity and bar stools must be spaced 6 feet apart.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

May 22, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

The U.S. Virgin Islands joins other states and territories in flying flags at half-mast for three days in remembrance of the victims who died of the COVID-19 virus.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

May 23, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

The Virgin Islands Department of Education announces the\u00a0schedule for virtual graduation ceremonies<\/a>\u00a0in the Territory. The pre-recorded ceremonies will be livestreamed on the department\u2019s Facebook page and broadcast on local TV channels and feature video messages from the top students at each high school<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

May 24, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

The American Cancer Society\u2019s annual\u00a0\u201cRelay for Life\u201d fundraiser on St. Croix is postponed<\/a>\u00a0because of the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the highlights of the Memorial Day weekend, the Relay is postponed until October.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

May 24, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

The American Cancer Society\u2019s annual\u00a0\u201cRelay for Life\u201d fundraiser on St. Croix is postponed<\/a>\u00a0because of the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the highlights of the Memorial Day weekend, the Relay is postponed until October.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

May 25, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

The Virgin Islands Department of Labor begins ramping up distribution of benefits\u00a0from Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation<\/a>\u00a0program to local recipients of unemployment checks. The program provides an additional $600 per week in unemployment benefits and is retroactive to April 4.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

May 26, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

Following Memorial Day weekend,\u00a0restrictions on bars and restaurants are officially lifted<\/a>. Restaurants are allowed to serve dine-in customers at 50% occupancy or 50 customers, whichever is less, and bars are allowed to reopen as long as bar stools are placed 6 feet apart.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

May 27, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

Governor Bryan announces the\u00a0formation of the V.I. Healthy Housing Initiative<\/a>\u00a0in partnership with the Corporation for Supportive Housing to assess housing and healthcare needs in four key areas: Behavioral Health; Youth Rehabilitation Services; Supportive Housing; and Elder Care Services.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

May 28, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

During his weekly COVID-19 update, Governor Bryan announces the\u00a0Territory will move to the \u201cOpen Doors\u201d phase<\/a>\u00a0of reopening the Territory. In addition to allowing all business to reopen, the Governor\u2019s executive order allows hotels, villas and Airbnb vendors to begin taking reservations and lifts restrictions on hospitality-related businesses. Thermal scanners are being installed at the airports and other measures are put into place to track visitors and their health.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

May 29, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

Governor Bryan delivers the\u00a0Fiscal Year 2021 Executive Budget Proposal<\/a>\u00a0to the 33rd<\/sup>\u00a0Legislature, two days before the deadline of May 31 mandated by law. The Governor says revenues will be significantly reduce by $126 million because of COVID-19.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

May 30, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

In May, the V.I. Water and Power Authority issues 34,875 credits to ratepayers through the Government of the Virgin islands YES program, which is funded with federal monies from the CARES Act. The Authority issued $10 million through 5,461 credits of $500 to commercial ratepayers and 29,414 credits of $250 to residential customers.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

June 1, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

The\u00a0\u201cOpen Doors\u201d phase<\/a>\u00a0of the Territory\u2019s economic recovery from COVID-19 officially begins\u2026 on the same day that Hurricane Season officially begins. Almost all of the restrictions imposed on businesses and the hospitality industry are lifted, although facial coverings are required for all businesses and their customers under Governor Bryan\u2019s \u201cNo Mask, No Service\u201d order.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

June 2, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

The\u00a0Spring Revenue Estimating Conference<\/a>, which had been delayed by COVID-19, takes place and reveals the scope and impact the pandemic has had on the Territory\u2019s economy. Initial revenue projections for 2020 revenue of $868.9 million are adjusted downward to $718.3 million.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

June 3, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

The University of the Virgin islands\u00a0conducts virtual open house tours<\/a>\u00a0for parents and prospective students. The event is hosted live on UVI\u2019s Facebook page and via a 90-minute Zoom video call.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

June 4, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

Spirit Airlines announces it is\u00a0resuming flights to the U.S. Virgin Islands<\/a>\u00a0and the Caribbean.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

June 5, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

Governor Bryan convenes the third meeting of the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Committee to talk about what the post-COVID-19 economy will look like in the Virgin Islands. The CEDS Committee is comprised of representatives of the business community, the Tourism sector and non-profits, members of Governor Bryan\u2019s Cabinet and other community stakeholders.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

June 6, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

The Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs announces that\u00a0restrictions against live music will be lifted<\/a>. Bands or DJs must set up with at least a 10-foot space from patrons, and live bands or DJs are prohibited in public spaces.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

June 7, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

After the first week of Governor Bryan\u2019s \u201cOpen Doors\u201d phase of the Territory\u2019s reopening,\u00a0Government agencies begin adjusting back to normal operations<\/a>\u00a0and pre-COVID-19 hours.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

June 8, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

During his weekly COVID-19 update, Governor Bryan announces that the\u00a0Virgin Islands Department of Finance has issued 28,263 stimulus checks<\/a>\u00a0totaling $45.9 million.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

June 9, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

The Virgin Islands Department of Sports, Parks and Recreation announces a\u00a0series of virtual summer camps,<\/a>\u00a0including online classes in beginner and intermediate dance; cultural arts and crafts; visual arts; and fundamentals of volleyball, basketball and baseball. Instructors will stream live on Facebook and Zoom daily.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

June 10, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

The Virgin Islands Department of Education announces a\u00a0series of virtual town hall meetings<\/a>\u00a0to give residents updates on the status of new schools construction.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

June 12, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

The Virgin islands Department of Human Services announces\u00a0federal approval of a Pandemic-EBT plan<\/a>\u00a0to provide food assistance to approximately 15,000 children and deliver more than $5.6 million to the Territory<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

June 15, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

After giving his weekly COVID-19 update, Governor Bryan announces\u00a0\u201cHealthier Horizons,\u201d which is a sweeping reform of the Virgin Islands\u2019 healthcare system<\/a>\u00a0comprising 11 different initiatives, including submitted legislation for the Behavioral Health and developmental Disabilities Act; merging the V.I. Fire Service and Emergency Medical Services; a health information exchange; telemedicine; a Healthy Housing initiative; and legislation to allow medicinal cannabis.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

June 18, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

Governor Bryan announces his\u00a0annual \u201cSummer Reading Challenge,\u201d<\/a>\u00a0which will be conducted virtually through online book borrowing. The V.I. Department of Education partnered with openlibrary.org to provide books for free to Virgin Islands students in kindergarten through sixth grade.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

June 19, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

Education Commissioner Racquel Berry-Benjamin provides the first in a\u00a0series of updates on the reopening of public school buildings<\/a>\u00a0for the 2020-2021 school year.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

June 21, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

The Department of Health announces\u00a0five new cases of COVID-19<\/a>\u00a0in the Territory, including the first community-acquired case on St. John. This brings the territory\u2019s total confirmed cases to 76 \u2014 33 on Croix, 39 on St. Thomas, and 4 on St. John.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

June 22, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

Governor Bryan submits legislation for an\u00a0amended version of the Revenue Anticipation Note<\/a>\u00a0he submitted in March. The $60 million the Governor is requesting will be used to supplement government operations in the wake of the financial devastation in the Territory from the COVID-19 pandemic.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

June 23, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

The Education Department\u2019s School Food Authority begins\u00a0its Summer Food Service Program<\/a>\u00a0for students in the Territory who can pick up meals at their designated schools at designated times.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

June 29, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

During his weekly COVID-19 update, Governor Bryan says he is\u00a0not planning to close the beaches<\/a>\u00a0for the long July 4th weekend, but he reminded residents to \u201cMask Up\u201d if they plan to celebrate the holiday at the beach or elsewhere.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

July 1, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

Governor Bryan requests that the 33rd<\/sup>\u00a0Legislature approve\u00a0a 60-day extension<\/a>\u00a0to the State of Emergency order.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

July 2, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

As a second wave of COVID-19 cases begin to surge in the Territory, Governor Bryan\u00a0orders beaches to close at 4 p.m.<\/a>\u00a0for the July Fourth weekend and bars to stop serving alcohol and retail stores to stop selling alcohol at 11 p.m. until further notice.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

July 5, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

Governor Bryan meets with officials at Limetree Bay Refinery on St. Croix to address the continuing surge of Coronavirus cases, which appear to be originating from contract workers from the mainland living in the Limetree Bay \u201cMan Camp.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

July 6, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

As the sure in COVID-19 cases explodes on the U.S. mainland, Governor Bryan\u00a0institutes restrictions for travelers<\/a>\u00a0arriving from Florida, Texas and Arizona, who must present proof of a negative COVID test upon arrival or go into 14-day quarantine.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

July 7, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

Governor Bryan and officials from the Department of Education present details of the\u00a0school system\u2019s Master facility Plan<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

July 8, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

Limetree Bay\u00a0strengthens its protocols<\/a>\u00a0to screen for coronavirus among its workers to address the continuing increase in the number of cases.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

July 9, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

Governor Bryan\u00a0tightens restrictions on travelers<\/a>\u00a0and sets a 10% positivity rate as the threshold, affecting visitors from any state at that rate or higher, which at this point are: Alabama; Arizona; Florida; Georgia; Idaho; Kansas; Mississippi; Nevada; South Carolina; and Texas.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

July 13, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

Because of the ongoing surge in COVID-19 cases in the USVI, Governor Bryan\u00a0delays the opening of the schools<\/a>\u00a0from August 10 to at least September 8.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

July 16, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

Governor Bryan and Education Commissioner Racquel Berry-Benjamin detail the\u00a0plan to reopen the Territory\u2019s schools<\/a>. The plan calls for a hybrid of in-class and distance learning, and the territory is awaiting delivery of thousands of laptops to distribute to students.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

July 17, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

Governor Bryan\u00a0issues an executive order<\/a>\u00a0granting high school graduates a supplemental scholarship of $1,000 because of hardships that resulted from the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Territory\u2019s residents and the education system.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

July 20, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

During his weekly COVID-19 update, Governor Bryan says the Government of the Virgin islands is\u00a0\u201crunning on fumes\u201d<\/a>\u00a0and details the aggressive lobbying he is doing with members of Congress and the federal government to keep the Virgin islands on the agenda while Congress puts together a new stimulus package.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

July 21, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

The Department of Health announces it is investigating a possible COVID-19 death<\/a>, which would be the Territory\u2019s seventh fatality from the virus.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

July 22, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

The Virgin Islands Department of Education announces it will accept applications for its \u201cLearn from Home\u201d<\/a> distance learning option for school year 2020-2021 through July 31. Additionally, parents are no longer required to submit a signed form from a licensed physician confirming underlying health conditions of students registering for \u201cLearn from Home.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

July 26, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

VITEMA, which is monitoring the development of a tropical wave that is approaching the Territory, urges residents to prepare ahead of time for a storm. \u201cIn this COVID environment, it is also imperative that you avoid waiting until the last minute to rush to the store to get what you need,\u201d VITEMA Director Daryl Jaschen says.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

July 27, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

During his weekly COVID-19 briefing, Governor Bryan announces the launch of the Department of Tourism\u2019s online portal<\/a> to will help in the prescreening and certification process of travelers arriving into the Territory. All travelers will be greeted with a welcome that guides them through a series of screens, including General Information, Terms and Conditions, Traveler Information, and the COVID-19 Traveler Screening Tool.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

July 28, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

Governor Bryan calls a press conference<\/a> to address the weather system approaching the Territory that is expected to develop into a tropical storm. VITEMA says it will not be distributing sandbags because of the threat of spreading COVID-19 at distribution sites, and Human Services Commissioner Kimberley Causey-Gomez said she doesn\u2019t plan to activate any shelters because of the possibility of spreading the virus. The Territory also records its eighth COVID-related death<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

July 29, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

Governor Bryan institutes a curfew<\/a> to begin at midnight and run through noon and closes government offices early and through the next day in anticipation of the impact of Potential Tropical Cyclone 9.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

July 29, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

President Trump approves an emergency declaration<\/a> for the U.S. Virgin Islands in advance of the storm that moved through the Territory on Wednesday. Governor Bryan had submitted the application on Monday.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

July 31, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

\u201cSam the Sailor\u201d leaves Schneider Hospital<\/a> on St. Thomas after recovering from a severe COVID-19 infection. Rolly Tolentino, a 47-year-old Filipino was in critical condition when the freighter he was on was denied entry into Puerto Rico in May. Governor Bryan allowed Mr. Tolentino to be airlifted to Schneider, where he ultimately recovered and flew home three months later.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

August 3, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

During Governor Bryan\u2019s weekly COVID-19 news briefing, Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion announces the ninth COVID-related death<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

August 4, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

The Virgin Islands Elections System announces that Voter Registration<\/a>, which had been suspended because of COVID-19, will reopen on August 6.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

August 6, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

The U.S. Department of Transportation allocates $4.1 million dollars for VITRAN<\/a>, the public transportation system, \u00a0from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES). The funding will be used to purchase personal protective equipment for staff, paying administrative leave, training for social distance, COVID-19 testing, as well as the sanitization of buses, bus shelters, transfer stations and depots.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

August 7, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

To avoid mass gatherings, VITEMA announces \u201cBlue Skies\u201d distribution of sandbags<\/a> and sand, with allocated times and a streamlined process to avoid spreading COVID-19.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

August 8, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

Governor Bryan issues a press release clarifying why some Social Security recipients received two Stimulus checks<\/a>. The error resulted when the Treasury of Puerto Rico, known as \u201cHacienda,\u201d issued checks by direct deposit after the USVI had mailed 6,473 checks totaling $7.3 million of payments to Social Security recipients.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

August 9, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

The Department of Tourism announces that it will close its offices for two weeks because of a surge in the spread of COVID-19.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

August 10, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

In an effort to stop a growing search of positive virus cases, Governor Bryan announces during his weekly COVID-19 briefing that he is increasing enforcement for restaurants and boaters<\/a> who aren\u2019t practicing social distancing and approving fines for people not wearing facial coverings.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

August 11, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

The Bureau of Corrections issues a press release about 20 staff and inmates at the St. Thomas jail becoming infected<\/a> with COVID-19. It was the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in any Bureau of Corrections facility.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

August 12, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

Governor Albert Bryan Jr. signs into law a bill granting up to 80 hours of administrative leave<\/a> with pay for first-responders who are being quarantined or whose health may be affected by the immediate medical pandemic.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

August 12, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

The Department of Human Services and Department of Health collaborate to deal with multiple positive cases of COVID-19<\/a> at the Queen Louise Home for the Aged on St. Thomas. \u00a0Of 17 residents tested, 10 returned positive results, and of 25 Queen Louise staff tested, 6 tested positive.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

August 13, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

In response to the continuing spread of COVID-19, Governor Bryan orders the Territory to return to \u201cStay at Home\u201d status<\/a>, or the orange level, which means the closure of non-essential businesses, restaurants limited to take-out, delivery or drive-through service and hotels, villas, Airbnbs, temporary vacation housing and charter vessels and similar businesses are prohibited from accepting leisure travel reservations.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

August 14, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

The Virgin Islands Department of Education outlines its plan<\/a> to open the 2020-2021 school year on a fully virtual schedule. Highlights from the plan include students and school-based staff will learn and work from home, Sept. 8-Jan. 20; laptop and Mifi internet devices, as well as desks and chairs will be distributed to students needing those items; and a new online technology that will serve as a hub for teachers, students and parents to communicate will be implemented.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

August 17, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

During his weekly COVID-19 briefing, Governor Bryan says the Department of Health has begun inspections of restaurant sanitization equipment<\/a> and those that pass will be issued a certificate exempting them from the requirement to use disposable utensils, dishes and drink containers.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

August 18, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

Because of positive COVID-19 cases at the Legislature, Governor Bryan reschedules a Special Session<\/a> he called for the Senate to take action on his Matching Fund Securitization plan to refinance the government\u2019s debt.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

August 19, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

The Department of Human Services confirms that the oldest resident of the Queen Louise Home for the Aged<\/a> on St. Thomas, a 101-year-old woman, has become the 10th<\/sup> person in the Territory to die from COVID-19. The other 11 residents of the seniors facility who tested positive are in relatively good health, according to the department.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

August 22, 2020<\/div><\/div>
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<\/h2>

The Territory braces for Tropical Storm Laura<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

August 24, 2020<\/div><\/div>
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<\/h2>

During his weekly COVID-19 briefing, Governor Bryan confirms the 11th<\/sup> COVID-related death<\/a> in the Territory. He also eases some of the restrictions under the \u201cStay-at-Home\u201d order pertaining to the Census Bureau, dive shops, houses of worship and professional services businesses.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

August 25, 2020<\/div><\/div>
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<\/h2>

The Department of Human Services announces it has begun distribution of food assistance to more than 13,000 children from schools that participated in the School Lunch Program totaling more than $4.9 million additional dollars to the Territory via an Electronic Benefit Transfer System (EBT). Pandemic EBT benefits<\/a> are intended to help families supplement the nutritional needs of their children due to pandemic school closure.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

August 26, 2020<\/div><\/div>
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<\/h2>

The Department of Human Services confirms that three more residents of the Queen Louise Home<\/a> for the Aged on St. Thomas have died from COVID-19. They are the Territory\u2019s 12th<\/sup>, 13th<\/sup> and 14th<\/sup> victims of the virus.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

August 29, 2020<\/div><\/div>
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<\/h2>

Because of the continuing surge of positive COVID-19 cases, Governor Bryan announces he is extending the \u201cStay-at-Home\u201d order<\/a> from August 31 to 8 a.m. September 8.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

August 31, 2020<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

<\/h2>

During his weekly COVID briefing, Governor Bryan announces that the reopening of the Territory\u2019s public schools will be delayed by a week<\/a> to September 14.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

August 31, 2020<\/div><\/div>
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<\/h2>

The Department of Health confirms the Territory\u2019s 15th<\/sup> COVID-related death<\/a>, a 49-year-old man from St. Thomas.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

September 3, 2020<\/div><\/div>
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<\/h2>

The Department of Health confirms that the first COVID-related death on St. John<\/a> was a 59-year-old man, who also is the Territory\u2019s 16th<\/sup> COVID-related fatality.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

September 4, 2020<\/div><\/div>
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<\/h2>

The Department of Health receives a donation of 800 vials of Remdesivir<\/a> from the state of New Jersey following a conversation between Governor Bryan and New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy. The shipment is enough to treat 100-200 Virgin Islanders.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

September 5, 2020<\/div><\/div>
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<\/h2>

The Department of Human Services announces that its 2020-2021 Head Start school year will begin virtually<\/a> on September 14 until it is determined that in-person instruction can safely resume. To prepare for the launch of the virtual school year, Head Start staff begins contacting parents for initial orientation and distribution of learning packets.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

September 6, 2020<\/div><\/div>
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<\/h2>

The Department of Health confirms the Territory\u2019s 17th<\/sup> death<\/a> from COVID-19, a 93-year-old man on St. Thomas.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

September 8, 2020<\/div><\/div>
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<\/h2>

During his weekly COVID briefing, Governor Bryan returns the Territory to \u201cSafer-at-Home\u201d status<\/a>, loosening conditions that allow non-essential businesses to reopen, restaurants to begin serving in-house dining and beaches to remain open until 4 p.m. on weekends and holidays.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

September 8, 2020<\/div><\/div>
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<\/h2>

The Department of Health confirms the Territory\u2019s 18th<\/sup> death<\/a> from COVID-19, a 68-year-old woman on St. Croix.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

September 11, 2020<\/div><\/div>
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<\/h2>

The Department of Health confirms the Territory\u2019s 19th<\/sup> COVID-related death, an 82-year-old man on St. Thomas.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n

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