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Key Takeaways from Governor Albert Bryan Jr.’s COVID-19 Press Conference (July 27, 2020)

Home » Press Releases » Government House » Key Takeaways from Governor Albert Bryan Jr.’s COVID-19 Press Conference (July 27, 2020)

July 28, 2020 miles_rthompson

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24 Responses to Key Takeaways from Governor Albert Bryan Jr.’s COVID-19 Press Conference (July 27, 2020)

  • ANTONIO MORALES July 28, 2020

    i am to arrive in st.thomas dec 28,2020 until january 9, 2021.  i am coming from JFK in NY.  I have been tested 3 times so far, and all have been negative.  I suppose waiting to december may be better as things change daily?  Thanks

    • Darcel Choy July 28, 2020

      Dear Antonio,

      Thank you for contacting us.

      Any traveler aged 15 and older whose home state (state of residence) has a Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) positivity rate greater than 10 percent will be required to produce a negative COVID-19 antigen (molecular/PCR/rapid) test result received within five days prior to travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands or a positive COVID-19 antibody test result received within four months of travel to the Territory. Currently, residents of Puerto Rico are also subject to this requirement.

      COVID-19 test results are also required from travelers aged 15 and older who have spent more than seven days in and are traveling from a state with a positivity rate greater than 10 percent.

      As of today, New York’s positivity rate is below the 10 percent threshold required for travelers to provide COVID-19 test results.

      COVID-19 tests are recommended, but not required, for travelers aged 15 and older whose home states have positivity rates greater than 7.5 percent. This is to ensure travelers are prepared for possible “spikes” in rates while preparing for travel.

      COVID-19 test results are not required from travelers transiting impacted states en route the USVI.

      Positivity rates are according to data and analysis from Johns Hopkins University: https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/testing/tracker/overview.

      The five-day window is related to receiving test results, not taking the test. We understand that the timing of receiving test results varies from location to location. Prospective travelers who are required to present test results are encouraged to plan testing dates so as to receive their results within the five-day window prior to travel to the USVI.

      Click here to see a visual depiction of the five-day window: https://bit.ly/2E2SJx3. Test results received outside the five-day window do not meet the requirements.

      Travelers unable to produce the required test result will be subject to quarantine for 14 days, or until they are able to receive the required test result while in the Territory.

      Please note effective immediately, all travelers to the U.S. Virgin Islands must complete a prescreening form to provide basic, but essential, information regarding your travel to and stay in the Territory. The portal can be accessed at http://www.usviupdate.com/travelportal.

      The Travel Portal is currently undergoing maintenance so that we can improve the user experience and response times. We expect it to be fully accessible over the next few days, and shortly thereafter to be mobile-optimized.

      In the meantime, please print both sides of the COVID-19 Traveler Screening form (which can be found at https://usviupdate.wpengine.com/travel-form), complete the traveler information, and bring the entire form (2 pages) with you to the USVI.

      We encourage all travelers to stay safe and continue to monitor http://www.usviupdate.com

  • Nate July 29, 2020

    Is the 10 percent threshold based on the daily positive test rate for a traveler’s day of arrival, or the 7 day rolling average? The John Hopkins website shows both sets of info. Thank you in advance for any insights you can provide!

    • Darcel Choy July 29, 2020

      Dear Nate,

      Thank you for contacting us.

      The COVID-19 testing requirements are based on the 7-day moving average rate of positivity as shown on the Johns Hopkins Testing Trends Tool, and apply to the traveler’s state of residence.

      We encourage you to stay safe and continue to monitor usviupdate.com.

      • Nate July 30, 2020

        Thank you!

  • Diane Bluel July 29, 2020

    Governor Bryan – THANK YOU for the great explanation and for being reasonable.  It is really appreciated from us tourists.  So many places are vague and it is difficult to know if you should cancel or proceed.  We are anxious to visit and still follow all guidelines provided, as we will be at a condo and really with our own family 80% of the time or more.

  • Dimitris Paganos July 29, 2020

    Hello, I’ve planned a trip to St. Thomas from San Diego, California on August 8, 2020. Do you count the daily positivity rate, the 14 day average or something else for the meeting criteria for the test? And when should I complete the pre-screening form, the day of the travel? Thank you

    • Darcel Choy July 29, 2020

      Dear Dimitris,

      Thank you for contacting us.

      The COVID-19 testing requirements are based on the 7-day moving average rate of positivity as shown on the Johns Hopkins Testing Trends Tool, and apply to the traveler’s state of residence.

      Please note that prior to arrival all travelers to the U.S. Virgin Islands must complete a prescreening form to provide basic, but essential, information regarding your travel to and stay in the Territory. The portal can be accessed at http://www.usviupdate.com/travelportal.

      The Travel Portal is currently undergoing maintenance so that we can improve the user experience and response times. We expect it to be fully accessible over the next few days, and shortly thereafter to be mobile-optimized.

      In the meantime, please print both sides of the COVID-19 Traveler Screening form (which can be found athttps://usviupdate.wpengine.com/travel-form), complete the traveler information, and bring the entire form (2 pages) with you to the USVI.

      We encourage you to stay safe and continue to monitor usviupdate.com.

  • Jessie Jones July 30, 2020

    Hello I will be traveling from the state of Connecticut to St.Thomas will I be required to get a Covid test prior to my trip on August 14? and will I have to quarantine once I arrive? I’m just a little confused. Better safe then sorry. I look forward to your response. Thanks

    • Darcel Choy July 30, 2020

      Dear Jessie,

      Thank you for contacting us.

      Any traveler aged 15 and older whose home state (state of residence) has a Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) positivity rate greater than 10 percent will be required to produce a negative COVID-19 antigen (molecular/PCR/rapid) test result received within five days prior to travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands or a positive COVID-19 antibody test result received within four months of travel to the Territory. Currently, residents of Puerto Rico are also subject to this requirement.

      COVID-19 test results are also required from travelers aged 15 and older who have spent more than seven days in and are traveling from a state with a positivity rate greater than 10 percent.

      As of today, Connecticut’s positivity rate is below the 10 percent threshold required for travelers to provide COVID-19 test results.

      COVID-19 tests are recommended, but not required, for travelers aged 15 and older whose home states have positivity rates greater than 7.5 percent. This is to ensure travelers are prepared for possible “spikes” in rates while preparing for travel.

      COVID-19 test results are not required from travelers transiting impacted states en route the USVI.

      Positivity rates are according to data and analysis from Johns Hopkins University: https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/testing/tracker/overview.

      The five-day window is related to receiving test results, not taking the test. We understand that the timing of receiving test results varies from location to location. Prospective travelers who are required to present test results are encouraged to plan testing dates so as to receive their results within the five-day window prior to travel to the USVI.

      Click here to see a visual depiction of the five-day window: https://bit.ly/2E2SJx3. Test results received outside the five-day window do not meet the requirements.

      Travelers unable to produce the required test result will be subject to quarantine for 14 days, or until they are able to receive the required test result while in the Territory.

      Please note effective immediately, all travelers to the U.S. Virgin Islands must complete a prescreening form to provide basic, but essential, information regarding your travel to and stay in the Territory. The portal can be accessed at http://www.usviupdate.com/travelportal.

      The Travel Portal is currently undergoing maintenance so that we can improve the user experience and response times. We expect it to be fully accessible over the next few days, and shortly thereafter to be mobile-optimized.

      In the meantime, please print both sides of the COVID-19 Traveler Screening form (which can be found at https://usviupdate.wpengine.com/travel-form), complete the traveler information, and bring the entire form (2 pages) with you to the USVI.

      We encourage all travelers to stay safe and continue to monitor http://www.usviupdate.com

  • Cas July 30, 2020

    My family is travelling to st. thomas this next week. We are planning on getting tested to provide negative results. My baby is coming with us. She will be 2 in a few months. Does she need to be tested to visit?

    • Darcel Choy July 30, 2020

      Dear Cas,

      Thank you for contacting us.

      Any traveler aged 15 and older whose home state (state of residence) has a Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) positivity rate greater than 10 percent will be required to produce a negative COVID-19 antigen (molecular/PCR/rapid) test result received within five days prior to travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands or a positive COVID-19 antibody test result received within four months of travel to the Territory. Currently, residents of Puerto Rico are also subject to this requirement.

      Please note effective immediately, all travelers to the U.S. Virgin Islands must complete a prescreening form to provide basic, but essential, information regarding your travel to and stay in the Territory. The portal can be accessed at http://www.usviupdate.com/travelportal.

      The Travel Portal is currently undergoing maintenance so that we can improve the user experience and response times. We expect it to be fully accessible over the next few days, and shortly thereafter to be mobile-optimized.

      In the meantime, please print both sides of the COVID-19 Traveler Screening form (which can be found at https://usviupdate.wpengine.com/travel-form), complete the traveler information, and bring the entire form (2 pages) with you to the USVI.

      We encourage all travelers to stay safe and continue to monitor http://www.usviupdate.com

  • Jessica July 30, 2020

    We are planning to travel on 08/06 to St. Croix from Florida..we took 2 test 10 days apart and they are both negative.  We took the test on the 29th and got the results surprisingly the next day. Some test results take longer than usual. Being that there were 2 test will these test results would be good to have. My kid are traveling on 08/07 and they are older than 15 test results are 9 days old in the date of travel

    • Darcel Choy July 30, 2020

      Dear Jessica,

      Thank you for contacting us.

      The safety of residents of and visitors to the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) is our priority as we work together to minimize the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

      For this reason, travelers from states with a COVID-19 positivity rate greater than 10 percent are required to produce a negative antigen or a positive antibody test result received within five days prior to travel to the USVI.

      You can see a visual depiction here: https://bit.ly/2E2SJx3.

      Travelers unable to produce the required test result will be subject to a quarantine for 14 days or until they are able to receive the required test result while in the Territory.

      Please note that effective immediately, all travelers to the U.S. Virgin Islands must complete a prescreening form to provide basic, but essential, information regarding your travel to and stay in the Territory. The portal can be accessed at http://www.usviupdate.com/travelportal.

      The Travel Portal is currently undergoing maintenance so that we can improve the user experience and response times. We expect it to be fully accessible over the next few days, and shortly thereafter to be mobile-optimized.

      In the meantime, please print both sides of the COVID-19 Traveler Screening form (which can be found athttps://usviupdate.wpengine.com/travel-form), complete the traveler information, and bring the entire form (2 pages) with you to the USVI.

      We encourage you to stay safe and continue to monitor usviupdate.com.

  • tara canavan August 4, 2020

    good morning, we are traveling from Rhode Island from August 10th through the 14th…i believe our state does not fall into the 10% category…can we confirm whether or not we will need to bring test results with us? We do have the form completed and will bring that along, thanks!

    • Darcel Choy August 4, 2020

      Dear Tara,

      As of today, Rhode Island is not on the list of states for which the U.S. Virgin Islands requires travelers to take a COVID-19 test for entry into the Territory. Please keep in mind that the list of states is updated daily.

      For further guidance, please see the latest travel advisory: https://bit.ly/2CChShf.

      We encourage you to stay safe and continue to monitor http://www.usviupdate.com.

  • sue August 5, 2020

    I should be clearer.  We are staying in Puerto Rico for a week, then traveling to STT and St John for another week.

    • Darcel Choy August 6, 2020

      Dear Sue,

      Thank you for contacting us.

      Any traveler aged 15 and older whose home state (state of residence) has a Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) positivity rate greater than 10 percent will be required to produce a negative COVID-19 antigen (molecular/PCR/rapid) test result received within five days prior to travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands OR a positive COVID-19 antibody test result received within four months prior to travel to the Territory. Currently, residents of Puerto Rico are also subject to this requirement

      COVID-19 test results are also required from travelers aged 15 and older who have spent more than seven days in and are traveling from a state with a positivity rate greater than 10 percent.

      Please note that all travelers to the U.S. Virgin Islands must complete a prescreening form, within five days of travel, to provide basic information regarding your travel to and stay in the Territory. The portal can be accessed at http://www.usviupdate.com/travelportal.

      For further guidance, please see the latest travel advisory: https://bit.ly/2CChShf.

      We encourage you to stay safe and continue to monitor usviupdate.com.

  • Sandra Langley August 6, 2020

    good morning, we are traveling from New Jersey from August 15th through the 19.
    I check and see our state does not fall into the 10% category…can we confirm whether or not we will need to bring test results with us?
    thanks!

    • Darcel Choy August 6, 2020

      Dear Sandra,

      Thank you for contacting us.

      As of today, New Jersey is not on the list of states for which the U.S. Virgin Islands requires travelers to produce a test result.

      Please note that all travelers to the U.S. Virgin Islands must complete a prescreening form to provide basic information regarding your travel to and stay in the Territory. The portal can be accessed at http://www.usviupdate.com/travelportal.

      For further guidance, please see the latest travel advisory: https://bit.ly/2CChShf.

      We encourage you to stay safe and continue to monitor usviupdate.com.

  • Bettina Wilson August 10, 2020

    We are excited about traveling to St John soon.  We have an appointment on the monday before we arrive on saturday for a covid test.  The travel advisory states that a antigen test (molecular/PCR/rapid) are acceptable. We plan to have a rapid antigen test. However, your Traveler Screening Tool form I downloaded has a place on page two for your office to fill out if our test is a PCR or antibody.
    A PCR test is difficult to manage due to having no control over when results are received. We want to do everything right the first time and not miss our trip.
    Can you confirm that a Rapid antigen test result is acceptable to enter the Virgin Islands?  I’m worried about the form not matching what is on the website.
    Thank you so much.

    • Darcel Choy August 11, 2020

      Dear Bettina,
       
      Thank you for contacting us.
       
      If you are a resident of a state with a COVID-19 positivity rate higher than 10 percent, you will need to produce a negative COVID-19 antigen test result received within five days prior to travel to the USVI. The test can be molecular, PCR or a “rapid” test.
       
      The testing should be performed by a laboratory certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment (CLIA).
       
      Also, please note that prior to travel, all travelers must complete a prescreening form to provide information regarding your travel to and stay in the Territory. The portal can be accessed at http://www.usviupdate.com/travelportal. 
       
      We encourage you to stay safe and continue to monitor http://www.usviupdate.com.

  • Sandra Langley August 13, 2020

    Hi, in what reopening phase is St. Thomas? The hotel just called us and told us about stay at home orders starting on August 17? What this mean?

    • Darcel Choy August 14, 2020

      Hi Sandra,

      Thank you for contacting us.

      The Government of the U.S. Virgin Islands has reverted to its “Stay-at-Home” phase of the Territory’s COVID-19 pandemic response.

      Effective August 13, 2020, hotels, villas, guest houses, temporary vacation housing, sharing economy accommodations such as Airbnb, charter vessels and similar businesses have been ordered not to accept or book any new leisure reservations for 30 days.

      Beginning August 19th, vacation rental owners/managers may not allow leisure travelers to check in to hotels, villas, sharing economy accommodations, etc. for a period of 30 days, unless the Governor’s Supplemental Order is lifted or amended.

      Reservations may only be accepted for business travelers, flight crews, emergency personnel, and government workers with written authorization from the relevant government agency.  For further information, click https://conta.cc/3apLvQ4.

      We encourage you to stay safe and continue to monitor http://www.usviupdate.com.

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