St John, US Virgin Islands - VIRGIN ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK is announcing additional modifications to operations to support federal, territory, and local efforts to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
On April 6, 2020, during a public announcement, USVI Governor Albert Bryan Jr. ordered the closure of all territorial beaches for two weeks. “Virgin Islands National Park supports Governor Bryan’s protective actions to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. This is our moment to “shut the door" to prevent a major outbreak in the USVI." says Nigel Fields, Park Superintendent.
To provide a consistent approach to health and safety for St. John residents and park visitors, all park beaches are closed, effective immediately, until further notice. All parking lots are closed, and all park trails are closed. Although park waters currently remain open, mariners using park moorings and anchorage areas can expect further guidance and safety requirements later this week.
Previously, on March 21st, 2020, Governor Bryan ordered all non-essential businesses to cease in-person operations until April 6th and to require those employees to stay at home. Hotels, villas and similar business are not to accept guests and reservations for 30 days. Bars are ordered closed and restaurants are allowed to provide take out service only. On March 30th, Governor Bryan extended those closures through April 30th.
Beginning March 23nd, Virgin Islands National Park started offering only very limited services outside those that support visitor or resource protection. The following services and operations have been be modified in order to comply with the Territory orders, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and NPS guidance:
· The Cruz Bay Visitor Center is closed. Information and services will not be available.
· The park dock and bulkhead at the Cruz Bay Visitor Center is closed to commercial activity.
· No more than two individuals may occupy a dinghy when travelling to or from the NPS dock.
· All restrooms and porta johns in the park are closed.
· Guided hikes and other on-site public or educational programs are cancelled.
· Food service and watersports rentals at Trunk Bay are not available. · The park will not issue special visitor use or business permits.
· Trash is not being collected. When visiting the park bring garbage bags so you can take your trash with you. Pack it in, pack it out!
· Trash receptacles are not available for boater trash. Boaters must make other arrangements for trash disposal. Do not leave trash on shore.
· The pavilions at Trunk, Maho, and Hawksnest Bays are closed, as are changing rooms and showers.
“These temporary closures are a short-term inconvenience in return for the long-term safety and health of Virgin Islanders and current visitors," Fields said. The safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, neighbors and partners is our number one priority. The National Park Service (NPS) is working with federal, territory, and local authorities to closely monitor COVID-19. We will notify the public when we resume full operations and provide updates on our website (www.nps.gov/viis) and social media channels.
Moorings remain open for use. The waters of both Virgin Islands National Park and Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument remain open. Law enforcement staff will remain on duty and may be reached at 1-866-995-8467. We are all in this together-please respect park lands and waters, and one another.
The NPS encourages people who choose to visit the waters of Virgin Islands National Park during this pandemic to adhere to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and territory and local public health authorities to protect visitors and employees. As services are limited, the NPS urges visitors to continue to practice Leave No Trace principles, including pack-in and pack-out, to keep outdoor spaces safe and healthy.
Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus. Please check with individual parks for specific details about park operations.
www.nps.gov
About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 419 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
Tags: covid - 19
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
