The U.S. Virgin Islands is reopening to visitors
on June 1, according to Commissioner of Tourism Joseph Boschulte.
“Over the past weeks, we have been building Covid-19
mitigation and response capacity and preparing protocols to protect the health
and safety of residents and visitors,” said commissioner of tourism Joseph
Boschulte.
Protocols include procedures for reception and concierge
facilities, cleaning, housekeeping, dining room management as well as
instructions for taxi, van, safari and limo services, restaurants, bars and
accommodations.
Masks are mandatory when entering a business, beaches are
open but social distancing is required and large gatherings are prohibited,
visitors will be screened upon arrival and restaurants and bars cannot exceed
50% capacity.
Hotels, guesthouses, villas, timeshares and Airbnb
accommodations are accepting bookings.
However, Bolongo Bay Beach Resort on St. Thomas has
postponed its reopening until July 1 due to the cost of airfares and reduced
flights, which has resulted in June cancellations, according to Richard
Doumeng, general manager.
Other properties will open as they individually determine
when they can do so safely based on recommended health and safety protocols.
The airports on St. Thomas and St. Croix are operated under
the jurisdiction of the FAA and have remained open throughout the pandemic,
although flights were limited.