Hello everyone, and happy Friday! I just wanted to give you a quick update on St. John’s June 1 “reopening.” But before I do so, I just wanted to thank each and every one of you who left such beautiful comments and those of you who emailed me the other day. You sure know how to make a gal feel good! I promise to respond to each and every one of you. Again, thank you. 🙂
The Governor held a press conference yesterday and provided some additional information regarding the Virgin Islands’ June 1 “reopening.” We’re using quotation marks because the Territory was never really closed. Accommodations, however, were unable to check in new guests. That ban ends Monday.
On Monday, June 1, the US Virgin Islands – St. John, St. Thomas and St. Croix – will move to the blue Open Doors phase. This means that visitors are, once again, welcomed to visit St. John.
Our restaurants reopened for in-person dining this past Tuesday. The number of people permitted in bars and restaurants is limited to 50 percent capacity or 50 people, whichever is less. You will not have to wear a facial covering when visiting a bar or restaurant. The staff, however, will all be wearing masks. Parties will be seated at least six feet apart to maintain social distancing, and no parties larger than six will be permitted to sit together. The majority of the island’s restaurants and bars have reopened or plan to reopen next week.
You will be required to wear facial coverings when entering all other commercial entities including shops, grocery stores, etc.
At this time, mass gatherings greater than 50 people are not permitted. The Governor stated yesterday that he expected that number to increase to 250 people this summer.
Regarding flights, the Governor stated that only 15 percents of the flights available prior to the pandemic are currently flying into the Territory. He does not anticipate seeing an increase in that number until next season (which is anytime between October and December).
The Governor stated that he does not expect cruise ships to return to the Territory until August at the earliest.
Temperature screenings are occurring at the airports, and heat sensing cameras are being installed as well.
Boat charters are operating, although all trips will take place in US waters. The British Virgin Islands is closed to visitors and will continue to be closed through September.
Taxis will be available and capacity will be restricted to 50 percent. Car rentals are open and available too.
As we mentioned Wednesday, the new News of St. John owner takes over the site June 1. We plan to chime in later next week to let you all know how the “reopening” is going. In the meantime, have a great day everyone!
Thanks for all your devotion to this blog. As I’m sure you realize, for many of your loyal followers escapeing to St. John on a regular basis through your words. You will be missed, but I’m glad you have left the blog in capable hands. I’ll be on the island for 9 days the end of October and would love to meet you and buy you a drink at Woodys.
Thank you again for all your great ‘reporting’ and sharing from your heart!
❤️❤️❤️❤️
You will be missed, Jenn, but I’m sure you’re leaving us in good hands. And if you need to go, spending time with family is a worthy reason. Enjoy your new “freedom” ( good luck keeping up with the little one, LOL!) and hope to see you on island one day. Thanks for all the years of St. John news, booze and everything in between!
thank you Jenn! I’m just not sure how I feel about not hearing your voice in these regular updates! Oh, I know… sad!! But congrats again to you on so much success. You deserve it!
Yesterday you gave an email where you can be reached, I would love to have it.
Our family are cinnamon bay campers. We would like to return to St. John for thanksgiving. There would be 11 of us, we are looking for something clean, affordable and close to beaches.
Can you recommend a connection??
My favorite place and people are the people of St. John Methodist church, the George’s Myrna and marcie, the marsh’s, I am trying to remember other names.
Thank you Jenn for all your exceptional reporting! You will be missed. Read this daily and hope to continue to do so. Will be back in December and hope to book with you again!
Any thoughts on whether restaurants will close, as usual, for hurricane season or if some might stay open longer due to the coronavirus closures?
I believe that people will still close. Businesses close because we are so slow during certain months (due to hurricane season) that it is wiser financially to close the doors a bit.