During his COVID 19 briefing May 21, Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. said he is easing restrictions on bars and restaurants and will allow restaurants to cater to dine in patrons and permit bars to reopen on May 26, under certain conditions. Restaurants can offer dine in service at 50 percent capacity or 50 customers, whichever is less. They also must place tables at least six feet apart and not accept parties any larger than six people, and bars also must space barstools six feet apart. All servers and other employees of bars and restaurants must wear facial coverings, and the establishments must provide proper hygiene and sanitization stations for employees and patrons. Read more . Click here to view the livestream of the press conference on Facebook.

Please click the links below to read our recent updates. Keep in mind that statistics are changing daily as we learn more, so some of the information from our updates may have changed. You can also visit doh.vi.gov/covid19usvi for more information.

USVIHTA COVID-19 Communications:

At Coral World Ocean Park, our animals, team members and guests are our top priorities. We are committed to providing a safe environment for the community. As we take the first steps to reopening and welcoming visitors back, we are closely monitoring news and information regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19). In addition to maintaining the highest health and safety practices, we have increased sanitation and disinfecting routines with extra focus on high touch and high traffic areas. We benefit from large open-air spaces and have adjusted our operation to allow for proper social distancing (6 feet apart and no more than 50 people at a time). We will continue to implement preventive measures in line with recommendations from the Center for Disease Control. We are adjusting our operations according to the recommendations of health authorities as the situation develops. We have made some important changes you need to know before visiting. Read more .

SEAT Caribbean reopened May 18, and is offering a 20 percent discount off of hourly/daily/weekly passes until the end of June 2020. Private offices will be available to rent on an hourly/daily/weekly basis as well. Visit www.seatcaribbean.com to learn more about SEAT Caribbean's services. Click here to view a flyer detailing the 20 percent discount.

Ocean Surfari is excited to announce its week-long 20 percent Island Appreciation s ale! Click here to view the flyer or stop by either location to shop!

In other great news, Ocean Surfari's vessels are up and running and acc epting reserv ations. For a limited time, Ocean Surfari will be offering Reef Surfari, our brand new 47-foot catamaran, for $1000 plus fuel for private charters up to 12 guests. Click here to view vessel pictures and information. As the BVI is presently closed, charters will be in USVI waters only.

With the current COVID-19 situation and related financial crisis in our industry, we have paused construction on our resorts and anticipate starting again in spring 2021. With that said, we are now targeting to open Frenchman’s Reef Marriott Resort and Noni Beach, a St. Thomas Resort in Summer 2022. We are currently marketing our resorts to groups starting in September 2022 and beyond as we do not anticipate hosting groups during our first few months of opening. To stay updated on the projects, news and progress, please follow us on Facebook or Instagram. In addition, please check out our video to get a good sense of the $250 million restoration. If you have any questions for me, please reach out to Michael Lorenz, Director of Sales & Marketing, Frenchman’s Reef Marriott Resort & Noni Beach at Mike.Lorenz@aimhosp.com.

The gravel parking lot at the Theovald E. Moorehead Dock and Terminal at Enighed Pond, St. John will reopen on July 1 as a paid parking facility. The parking rate will be $8 per day. The lot currently has 200 parking spaces available and will be open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. VIPA will install parking lot access control equipment within the next two months. Read more .