CHRISTIANSTED — During a press conference today to update residents on COVID-19, Governor Albert Bryan, Jr. shared some positive news about the territory’s fight against the coronavirus pandemic that the Virgin Islands Department of Health is currently tracking only a single active case.
“This, without a doubt, is welcomed news but certainly not cause for celebration, as we are still very much in the fight against the spread of coronavirus in our community,” Bryan said.
The governor also noted that today marked Day 80 of his Administration’s official response to COVID-19.
To date, there have been 731 people tested for the virus, with 642 of those tests coming back negative, 54 cases testing positive, including three fatalities, and 35 tests pending. There are no COVID-19 cases at either hospital.
Despite the positive track the virus appears to be taking in the territory, Bryan said his administration continues to stockpile resources and supplies to fight the spread of the virus and currently is looking for additional health care professionals.
“We are pursuing several avenues to provide additional staffing,” the governor said. “We are in final negotiations with Doctors Without Borders, the Islamic Medical Association and other programs to bring physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, infection specialists and others to bolster our team.”
Bryan said his team is diligently staying prepared for what could come next.
“We have done a good job mitigating the spread, but as I continue to say, unlike a hurricane, we do not know whether we are at the front, in the eye or at the tail of the storm,” he said.
Bryan also said the Virgin islands Department of Labor continues to build capacity while processing unemployment claims.
“We recognize that many businesses have had to substantially limit their operations and, in some cases unfortunately, close their doors, consequently causing many residents to lose their jobs,” he said today. “As of yesterday, the V.I. Department of Labor has issued 1,390 unemployment insurance checks totaling $969,176.”
Bryan also announced that water-testing has resumed at the territory’s public beaches and that all 31 beaches that are tested were cleared for use.
“That’s fantastic news,” the governor said. “I want the public to remember, though, that the prohibition on mass gatherings of over 10 still remains in effect. And even in these groupings, please maintain safe social distancing, at least six feet from one another, and you should limit your contact to people in your household.”
Bryan also thanked all members of the health industry, particularly those individuals on the front line in dealing with COVID-19, for their hard work, dedication and sacrifice, and he wished Happy Ramadan to the Muslim community.
Bryan’s next press conference on COVID-19 is tentatively scheduled for Monday.
Beginning next week, the governor will scale back his COVID-19 press conferences to two per week; however, “Press Box,” the live podcast featuring agency and department heads, will continue to be live-streamed on Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. on the Government House Facebook page at facebook.com/governmenthouseusvi
In an effort to continue to serve residents and mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, and in adherence to guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Virgin Islands Department of Health, several departments and agencies of the Virgin Islands government have implemented steps to minimize person-to-person contact at their offices.
Here are the current operating procedures for Virgin Islands government departments and agencies modifying their operations:
Bureau of Corrections
The Bureau of Corrections has suspended in-person visitations at all correctional facilities and all volunteer programs, work details, and furloughs until further notice.
For more information, visit boc.vi.gov
Bureau of Internal Revenue
The income tax filing deadline for 2019 tax returns has been extended to July 15, and the Taxpayer Assistance Program has been suspended until further notice.
Taxpayers who need to clear imported goods through excise tax offices are asked to use the online system at https://excise.bir.vi.gov.
All tax returns that need to be filed should be done by mail, with a certified receipt, if possible. Include an extra copy of the return stamped, self-addressed envelope so the Bureau can return a stamped copy.
The St. John office is closed until further notice. St. Croix and St. Thomas office hours are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays, and cashiering services will be available from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily until further notice.
For more information, call 340-773-1040 on St. Croix and 340-774-1040 on St. Thomas. Use the following extensions and email address for specific needs:
- Audit Division – St. Croix extension is 4233 and St. Thomas extension is 2271, or send an email to [email protected]
- Delinquent Accounts and Returns – St. Croix extension is 4254 and St. Thomas extension is 2232, or send an email to [email protected]
- Processing – St. Croix number is 340-712-2513 and St. Thomas extension is 2223, or send an email to [email protected]
- Excise Division – St. Croix number is 340-778-1021 and St. Thomas extension is 3201, or send an email to [email protected]
- Director’s Office – St. Croix extension is 4225 and St. Thomas extension is 4225, or send an email to [email protected]
The Bureau of Internal Revenue website is bir.vi.gov.
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
The Bureau of Motor Vehicles will remain closed until May 4. BMV is encouraging the community to take advantage of its online vehicle registration process at bmv.vi.gov.
The Bureau will waive the inspection requirement for any customer who registers their vehicle online until May 31, 2020.
All road tests and written tests for the learner’s permit are canceled until further notice, and Governor Bryan has ordered a 60-day extension on all driver’s license and vehicle registration renewals.
For more information, call 340-713-4268 on St. Croix; 340-774-4268 on St. Thomas; 340-776-6262 on St. John; or visit bmv.vi.gov.
Department of Education
All public schools are closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year, but remote teaching and learning continue.
Distribution of school breakfasts and lunches have been consolidated to a once-daily distribution from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. This schedule will remain in effect for the duration of the feeding initiative, which is expected to conclude on or before June 4.
All in-person interactions at the department’s state and district offices on St. Thomas and St. Croix are postponed until further notice. While offices may remain open, all business will be conducted electronically via email or telephone, whenever possible. For more information, call 340-774-0100 on St. Thomas and 340-773-1095 on St. Croix, send an email to [email protected] or visit www.vide.vi.
Department of Finance
The Department of Finance is conducting all business electronically whenever possible.
All public and private entities applying for Government Insurance Fund Worker’s Compensation Insurance should use the forms located here, and email them to [email protected].
For W2 and 1099 forms, GVI employees should use the Employee Self Service (ESS) by logging on to usvi.munisselfservice.com. For ESS password resets, [email protected] or call 340-714-5049.
Vendor check inquiries can be directed to [email protected] or 340-774-4750 ext. 2192.
Payroll check inquiries can be directed to [email protected] or 340-774-4750 ext. 2252.
For more information, visit dof.vi.gov.
Department of Human Services
The VI Department of Human Services Head Start Program has closed classrooms territory-wide until further notice.
For information about:
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
St. Croix: 340-772-7100; [email protected]
St. Thomas-St. John: 340-774-2399 or 340-774-0930; [email protected]
Ensure a working telephone number is on new and renewal applications; telephone interviews will be scheduled.
Medical Assistance Program (MAP)
St. Croix: 340-772-7117 or 340-772-7100 ext. 7006, 7151, 7120
St. Thomas-St. John: 340-774-0930 ext. 4308, 4324, 4318
Child Care and Regulatory Services
St. Croix: 340-772-7147
St. Thomas-St. John: 340-774-0930 ext. 4181
Block grant applications for child care providers, known as the Friends, Family and Neighbor Care program, are available online at dhs.vi.gov/OCCRS/index or can be picked up at one of the DHS offices
Head Start Program
Registration for the 2020-2021 school years has begun. Register by phone at 340-773-1972 on St. Croix or 340-774-0930 ext. 4201 on St. Thomas.
Senior Disaster Registry
St. Croix: 340-773-6630
St. Thomas: 340-715-6935
St. John: 340-776-6334
Office of the Commissioner
St. Croix: 340-718-2980
St. Thomas: 340-774-1166
For more information, visit dhs.gov.vi.
Department of Justice
Department of Justice facilities on St. Thomas and St. Croix, including the Office of the Attorney General, are closed to the public and will not conduct person to person services until further notice. Services to be provided electronically or telephonically include administrative claims and questions regarding pending criminal cases.
The Sex Offender Registry also is closed to the public ; however, registration requirements remain in place. Sex offenders who are residing, employed, or attending school in the Territory and need to register or update their information must do so telephonically or via email.
The Paternity and Child Support Division offices are closed to the public, but in-person services will be provided to accept payments. Services will be provided via telephone, fax, mail, and through the internet. Persons who wish to make payments will be allowed inside the offices until the drop box becomes available, at which time, only money orders and checks will be accepted.
For more information, visit usvidoj.codemeta.com.
Department of Labor
The VI Department of Labor will be open to the public; however, there is a limit on how many clients can be in the lobby and the maximum capacity of the resource rooms varies by district.
Available services are limited, outside of Unemployment Insurance, and clients are encouraged to use the website to obtain information and find resources. Please call ahead to find out the volume of clients.
The hotline numbers for filing Unemployment claims by phone is 340-715-5725 on St. Thomas and 340-713-3425 on St. Croix.
For more information visit www.vidol.gov.
Department of Licensing & Consumer Affairs
The Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs (DLCA) is asking the public to use the department’s online website at www.dlca.vi.gov for business license renewals or new business license applications, to schedule appointments and to file consumer complaints online. Appointment also can be scheduled by calling 340-713-3522 on St. Croix or 340-714-3522 on St. Thomas, and the department also can be reached at [email protected].
For more information, visit www.dlca.vi.gov.
Department of Planning & Natural Resources
All public libraries and museums will be closed, and pick up, drop off and cashier services will be available to the public only on Tuesdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For in-person needs other than pick-up or drop-off services, or for general information, please call 340-774-3320 on St. Thomas or 340-773-1082 on St. Croix to schedule an appointment with the appropriate division.
For more information, visit dpnr.vi.gov.
Department of Property and Procurement
Temporary hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays only and will remain in effect until further notice.
For more information, visit dpp.vi.gov.
Department of Public Works
The Department of Public Works will provide essential service only from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-Friday.
In-person complaints are suspended until further notice; however, complaints will continue to be accepted by telephone, email and online.
All VITRAN routes have been suspended until further notice.
Cemetery office guests will be limited to two guests per visit.
For more information, call 340-773-1290 on St. Croix, 340-776-4844 for the St. Thomas-St. John District or visit dpw.vi.gov.
Department of Tourism
The Department of Tourism has closed its offices until further notice.
Visitors or residents who have tourism-related inquiries can visit usviupdate.com or send an email to [email protected].
Messages also can be left by calling 340-774-8784 in the St. Thomas-St. John District, 340-772-0357 on St. Croix or toll-free at 1-800-372-USVI (8784).
For more information, visit usviupdate.com.
Division of Personnel
All in-office visits have been suspended, and all business will be conducted electronically and telephonically whenever possible.
For more information, forms, and policies, call 340-718-8588 on St. Croix or 340-774-8588 in the St. Thomas-St. John District or visit www.dopusvi.org.
Energy Office
All individuals with applications for the Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy Financial Incentive Program are required to submit them by email, fax or mail service until further notice. The VIEO has waived the 30-day application deadline so that customers who purchase qualifying items can capitalize on these rebates, which include items purchased as of March 1, 2020.
For more information, visit the Energy Office Facebook page.
Juan F. Luis Hospital & Medical Center
General visitation hours have been revised to 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. unless the visitor is a parent or guardian of a pediatric patient or infant.
Prior to being allowed to enter the facility, each visitor will be screened. Isolation patients will be allowed only one visitor at a time for up to two hours per day. Visitors will be given special protective masks, gloves, and gowns that must be worn at all times.
For more information, visit www.jflusvi.org.
Judicial Branch of the Virgin Islands
Remote hearing protocols have been implemented for all or most essential emergency matters, including but not limited to Advice of Rights, emergency petitions for Abuse and Neglect, Domestic Violence and Stalking. Public traffic to the courts will be limited to these essential and emergency matters only.
Essential employees will work remotely and report to court facilities only in accordance with established emergency schedules.
The Raymond L. Finch Supreme Court Building in Frederiksted will be closed for the duration of the pandemic. There will be no drop box at that location and the public is advised to use the drop box at R.H. Amphlett Leader Justice Center at RR1 9000 Kingshill on St. Croix.
For inquiries, please use the following numbers:
St. Croix District
- Court Administration – 340-713-6627
- Office of the Clerk of Superior Court – 340-713-6626
- Probation and Pre-trial Services – 340-713-6642
St. Thomas-St. John District
- Court Administration – 340-693-4110
- Office of the Clerk of Superior Court – 340-693-6403
- Probation and Pre-trial Services – 340-693-6429
Supreme Court
- Office of the Clerk of Supreme Court – 340-693-4100
- Office of Bar Admissions – 340-693-4120
- Office of Disciplinary Counsel – 340-693-4127
Additionally, the following email addresses are available for the submission of filings:
- Advice of Rights and Arraignments – [email protected] and [email protected]
- Complex Litigation Filings – [email protected]
- All other filings – [email protected].
The Judiciary website is visuperiorcourt.hosted.civiclive.com.
Lieutenant Governor’s Office
The Offices of the Lieutenant Governor will operate from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, and cashier services will be available from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The following divisions will be closed to public access: VI State Health Insurance Program/Medicare; Corporations and Trademarks; and Passport Acceptance Facilities.
The following divisions will provide limited public access: Office of the Tax Assessor, Office of the Tax Collector and the Division of Banking, Insurance and Financial Regulation.
The following divisions will allow members of the public to drop off documents for processing but will otherwise be closed to the public: Recorder of Deeds; Cadastral; and Notary Services.
Customers can visit the Division of Banking, Insurance and Financial Regulation by appointment only.
Drop off boxes will be made and customers will be asked to drop off documents and collect them at a designated time as services are completed. Customers must provide contact information with their drop off packages.
The drop off box for the Cadastral office will be at the Cadastral offices in each district.
The drop off box for the Recorder of Deeds for the district of St. Thomas-St. John will be at the Recorder of Deeds office on St. Thomas. The drop off box for the Recorder of Deeds office for the district of St. Croix will be at the Office of the Tax Assessor in Christiansted.
Customers in need of assistance can call 340-774-2991 for the St. Thomas-St. John District and 340-773-6449 for St. Croix or visit ltg.gov.vi.
Office of Collective Bargaining
The Office of Collective Bargaining will be closed until further notice.
Calls may be made from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday to 340-713-0735 on St. Croix or 340-774-6450 in the St. Thomas-St. John District.
Office of the Territorial Public Defender
Offices are closed to the public until further notice, and all services will be provided telephonically and electronically when possible until further notice.
To contact the office and leave a detailed message, call 340-773-6312 on St. Croix or 340-774-8181 in the St. Thomas-St. John District.
For more information, visit vipublicdefender.com.
Office of Veterans Affairs
The Office of Veterans Affairs is limiting in-person operations territory-wide. Every attempt will be made to take of requests electronically or by phone.
For more information, call 340-773-8387 on St. Croix or 340-774-8387 in the St. Thomas-St. John District, send an email to [email protected] or visit the Office of Veterans Affairs Facebook page.
VI Economic Development Authority
The VI Economic Development Authority has discontinued walk-in customer services, in-person appointments and manual delivery of documents and other items until further notice. To make a payment, file a document, or make any additional inquiries, please send an email to [email protected], call 340-714-1700 in the St. Thomas-St. John District or 340-773-6499 on St. Croix or visit usvieda.org.
VI Fire Service
The Virgin Islands Fire Service’s Prevention and Administrative Offices in both districts have limited hours of operation and are open to the public from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays only until further notice.
Businesses that have fire certificates that have expired or will expire during the current state of emergency will be given a 60-day extension.
The Fire Service’s emergency response operations will remain uninterrupted.
For more information, visit the V.I. Fire Service Facebook page.
VI Housing Finance Authority
All EnVision Tomorrow recovery centers are closed until further notice. EnVision Tomorrow will continue to serve applicants online and by phone, and they may submit documents electronically or by a scheduled appointment only.
For more information, call 1-888-239-3387 or visit vistormrecovery.com.
VI Legislature
The Legislature of the Virgin Islands has postponed all hearings and meetings in both districts and is restricting visitation to its facilities, which are closed to the public.
For more information, visit www.legvi.org.
The Virgin Islands Lottery offices in both districts operate from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. three days a week – Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays – until further notice. VI Lottery Drawings have reconvened with a temporary period of one monthly drawing as opposed to biweekly drawings.
The next drawing will take place on May 28, 2020. Tickets are available for purchase.
Only five customers are allowed in the lobby at any given time.
Dealers are asked to provide requested ticket numbers in advance to avoid line delays and ensure expedient service, and Virgin Islands Lottery staff will provide dealers with their listings to make those selections once requested in advance.
On-site sales on St. John are postponed until further notice.
For more information, call 340-774-2502 on St. Thomas or 340-778-6360 on St. Croix or visit www.winvilottery.com.
VI Police Department
The Central Records Bureau offices, Firearms Bureau offices and fingerprinting services territory-wide will be closed until further notice.
For more information, visit vipd.gov.vi.
VI Public Services Commission
Offices are closed on St. Thomas and St. Croix and the PSC’s walk-in services will be restricted until further notice.
All documents can be submitted electronically by calling 340-776-1291 on St. Thomas, 340-776-1391 on St. John and 340-778-6010 on St. Croix.
Utility complaints will be accepted by phone.
For more information, visit psc.vi.gov or the PSC Facebook page.
VITEMA
All in-person business operations and public access to VITEMA facilities territory-wide, acceptance and processing of curfew pass applications and in-office appointments are suspended.
For more information, call 340-773-2244 on St. Croix, 340-776-6444 on St. John or 340-774-2244 on St. Thomas or visit vitema.vi.gov.
VI Waste Management Authority
Solid Waste disposal will adhere to the following operating hours:
- Anguilla Landfill on St. Croix will be open 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- Bovoni Landfill on St. Thomas will be open 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- Mandahl Convenience Center on St. Thomas will be open 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Peter’s Rest Convenience Center on St. Croix will be open 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Susannaberg Transfer Station on St. John will be open 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The VIWMA recently issued bid packages for various projects and all pending bid packages and open solicitations will be accepted via email only. The solicitations shall adhere to the previously established date and time as indicated on the respective advertisement. Please forward the completed document to [email protected] and/or [email protected]. For more information visit www.viwma.org.
VI Water and Power Authority
Limited customer service and cashier services are available at The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority offices at Port of Sale Mall on St. Thomas; Sunny Isle on St. Croix; and The Marketplace on St. John.
Customers are urged to transact business online at www.viwapa.vi or via the telephone.
Call the Customer Service Department at 340-774-3552 or 340-773-2250, select option 5.
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