U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. announced Saturday that he expects to issue an executive order moving the territory to the Safer at Home phase of its COVID-19 reopening strategy on Sept. 8. to Announce Transition to Safer at Home Phase Tuesday
The governor’s executive order placing the territory in Safer-at-Home will set new guidelines to take effect on Sept. 8 when the existing restrictions under the current Stay-at-Home order are set to expire.
Guidelines under the territory’s Safer at Home phase include:
- Non-essential businesses open, bars remain closed, hotel reservation systems closed;
- Indoor/Outdoor recreation facilities open, no food or drink;
- Facial covering in all commercial entities;
- No gathering greater than 50, facial coverings and social distancing required;
- Nursing homes closed to visitation;
- Beaches closed at 4 p.m. on weekends and on holidays.
Bryan also said Saturday that he intends to allow dine-in service at restaurants under the Safer at Home phase beginning on Sept. 8.
However, the governor stressed that during the Safer at Home phase, restrictions on dine-in service at restaurant establishments will be reestablished.
Those restrictions include:
- No serving of alcohol at bar counters;
- No seating of more than 6 persons per table;
- Tables must be 6 feet apart, and;
- Patrons must wear masks at all times when not eating or drinking.
The prohibition on hotels accepting any leisure guests remains in effect until Sept. 18. Hotels can begin accepting new leisure travel reservations on Sept. 12.
