U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — During Monday’s Weekly Government House briefing, Communications Director Richard Motta Jr. clarified some questions residents have asked about the Virgin Islands Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) distribution of Social Security Supplemental checks that the Government of the Virgin Islands (GVI) is distributing as part of President Biden’s American Rescue Plan Act from the COVID-19 pandemic.
These funds are being made available from the American Rescue Plan Act State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund, which allows for helping households respond to the negative economic impacts of the pandemic.
The payments come after a monthslong process during which the GVI worked to resolve issues with addresses provided by the SSA for Social Security recipients in the Territory.
The $500 payment will be issued to those Social Security recipients who are seniors or who are on disability.
OMB will be distributing the checks this week on Wednesday, November 9, and Thursday, November 10, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. in both districts.
Distribution on St. Thomas will be conducted in the Roy Lester Schneider Hospital’s front parking lot and on St. Croix in the parking lot of the “VIYA Building” in Estate Diamond.
On St. John, checks were made available for pick-up at the Administrator’s Office on Monday, November 7, 2022.
Recipients are required to present a valid picture I.D. to receive the stipend.
Eligible residents who cannot make it on either of the two distribution days, will be able to pick up their checks next week.
“We realize some individuals cannot physically pick up their checks in person and since the local government is unable to validate the accuracy of the addresses provided by the Social Security Administration, we are urging you or someone on your behalf to contact the Office of Management and Budget via email at Arpa@omb.vi.gov, or call 340-774-0750,” Director Motta said.
Residents who contact OMB to verify their addresses should provide the agency with the following information:
- Name
- Last four digits of their Social Security number
- Phone number
- Correct address
After providing OMB with that information, arrangements will be made to have the checks mailed to those who are eligible, Director Motta said.
These funds are being made available from the American Rescue Plan Act State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund which allows for helping households respond to the negative economic impacts of the pandemic.
For more information, contact OMB’s main office on St. Thomas at 340-774-0750.
COVID-19 cases
During Monday’s weekly Government House briefing, Deputy Health Commissioner Reuben Molloy said there has been a low but consistent uptick in COVID-19 cases in the Territory during the last week.
“While the numbers don’t particularly demonstrate a huge increase, they are still a good indicator that the virus is presently spreading in the community, and we should all take precautions to prevent its spread,” the Deputy Commissioner said. “
COVID-19 cases as of November 7
- Currently tracking 61 active cases (47 STX; 14 STT; 0 STJ)
- There are no COVID-19 patients hospitalized at Luis Hospital on St. Croix.
- There are no COVID-19 patients hospitalized at Schneider Regional Medical Center on St. Thomas.
COVID-19 vaccinations are available by scheduling an appointment:
St. Croix – 340-244-0016
St. Thomas – 340-777-8804 ext. 2600
St. John – 340-776-6400
The COVID-19 testing schedule remains the same:
St. Croix – Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in the Charles Harwood Memorial parking lot
St. Thomas – Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday – 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Schneider Regional Medical Center loading dock
St. John – Wednesday from noon to 3 p.m. in the Port Authority gravel lot.
Anyone who thinks they may have contracted COVID-19 can call the Epidemiology hotline at 340-712-6299 (STX) or 340-776-1519 (STT-STJ).
For more information, visit covid19usvi.com.
Monkeypox
Deputy Commissioner Molloy also said Monday that the Territory still has no confirmed cases of Monkeypox.
To learn more about being eligible for a free monkeypox vaccination, call 340-690-6301.
For more information about monkeypox, use the “Communicable Disease” tab on the Department of Health website at doh.vi.gov.
The Bryan-Roach Administration is investing in the Territory’s people, infrastructure and future through transparency, stabilizing the economy, restoring trust in the government and ensuring that recovery projects are completed as quickly as possible. Visit transparency.vi.gov