VI Governor Albert Bryan Jr. announced on Friday, beaches throughout the territory will reopen to the public, with some restrictions.
Beaches closed on April 6th, because, despite social distancing and stay at home orders, large groups of people were congregating on area beaches.
Governor Bryan announced on the 6th, beaches would be closed until April 20th, and that plan is moving forward, albeit with some restrictions:
*No alcohol will be allowed to be consumed on beaches.
*People must still practice social distancing, staying 6 feet apart from each other.
*People are to gather only with immediate families, there are to be no large groups.
*The Virgin Islands Police Department and the National Guard will be enforcing these rules.
Governor Bryan says he hopes these restrictions will allow people to safely enjoy the territory’s beaches, “I’m encouraging you just to stay away from people on a whole, if you know you can’t help yourself, stay off the beach, some of your are really social, it’s not a bad thing, but in this particular instance we want you to keep to yourself and stay off the beach. If people are not cooperating, if people are not staying off the beaches (in groups), if people are not maintaining their social distancing, we’re going to just have to close them again.”
Bryan also said the conversation is starting when it comes to reopening the economy of the Virgin Islands.
They’re evaluating recommendations from the White House on ways to ease restrictions in the community. Bryan also noted while the conversations have started, we’re still way off from opening the economy entirely.
