The US Virgin Islands will once again close its doors to leisure travelers.
The Territory will go back to ‘Stay-at-Home’ restrictions as it fights growing numbers of positive cases.
This will be in effect for a minimum of two weeks before being re-evaluated.
From 19 August, all non-essential travel to the USVI is banned, said Governor Albert Bryan Jr.
All Airbnb hosts, guest houses, other accommodation providers and charter vessel operators have been ordered not to accept any new bookings from immediate effect.
Reservations are only allowed for approved business travelers, flight crews, emergency personnel, and government workers.
"When we announced our Covid19 alert system in May, I indicated at that time that we would retreat … to a more cautious state of alert if conditions warranted. Unfortunately, we have arrived at that point this week," Governor Bryan said.
All non-essential businesses must also close.
There are currently 197 active cases with 63 new cases reported in a single day this week.
"We appreciate the concerns of our tourism partners and stakeholders, however, with the recent spike in cases we must reset, take stock, safeguard human life, and prepare for restarting," said USVI Commissioner of Tourism, Joseph Boschulte.
Written by Ray Montgomery, US editor
