The United States Virgin Islands Department of Tourism recently sought to assure stakeholders that authorities are working closely with airline partners to ensure that the territory has ample airlift during the current restriction on leisure travel. At present, accommodations providers have been restricted from admitting or checking-in leisure guests for 30 days, unless the order from Governor Albert Bryan is lifted sooner.
The latest action is a part of a public health response to the recent rise in positive COVID-19 cases in the region. Joseph Boschulte, Commissioner of Tourism, explained in a statement that despite the territory currently being a part of the “stay-at-home” phase of its COVID-19 response, airlift connectivity will remain critical. Presently, travel to and from the territory is permitted for residents, business travellers, flight crews, emergency personnel and government guests with written authorisation from the relevant agency.
According to latest rules, all travellers, aged 15 and older, are required to complete the questionnaire at the USVI travel screening portal. Individuals who meet the testing criteria would then require uploading a COVID-19 test result. Commissioner Boschulte said he was hopeful for a smooth reopening to leisure travellers after the latest 30-day “leisure lockdown” is suspended.
He mentioned that officials are hoping for another swift and seamless reopening to leisure visitors once the current curve is flattened. He informed that that observing strict protocols, such as wearing masks and physical distancing, was critical in containing the community spread of the COVID-19 virus. He shared that everyone required to work together to avoid further shutdowns, which will help to restart economic activity and generate important revenues and income for the government as well as residents.
