Good day members,

We know several of you are seeking clarification regarding the governor’s announcement on Saturday. We have sent a list and are hoping for more information, and have also included press releases from the Government of the Virgin Islands below. We would like to remind you that the six-foot social distancing measures apply if you have to go into a public space to purchase essential items such as food, medicine, etc. If you are not out purchasing essentials, avoid social contact. If you are offering take out service, please remember you must remove all seating option such as tables, chairs and bar stools.

For our accommodations members, please note that the 30 day ban is for tourist arrivals. It does not include government workers here for business or relief efforts. If you choose to take those traveling on “business only,” let us know by emailing lisa@usvihta.com. Guests will still need to eat in their rooms and not gather in public areas. Pools and Jacuzzis should be closed. More details will follow.

We also have an update from VITEMA. They are working with FEMA and have submitted a request for 2-25 bed locations for each district for the predicted surge. Please remember that the shelter in place is an attempt to flatten the curve so that we will not overwhelm our medical facilities. The Department of Health also updated us on current positive cases, which include nine on St. Croix and eight on St. Thomas. We are receiving results at a much more rapid pace. If you believe you need to be tested, contact the Department of Health first and they will guide you. If you have a medical emergency, dial 911. Please do not go to the hospital without first calling the hotline or 911 for emergencies. VITEMA is also working on communication with the National Guard regarding airport screening.

VITEMA’s priorities include: protecting residents; preserving the supply chain; maintaining partnerships with the DOT, CDC and FEMA; providing accurate and timely information; and maintaining critical infrastructure.

We also would like to inform you that phishers are using this vulnerable time as an opportunity to take advantages of businesses. Please remember when you receive something from us to verify that it came from one of our @usvihta.com or @virgin-islands-hotels.com addresses, or from our public relations representative at kaufmann.laurel@gmail.com. Thank you.