Cease-and-Desist Order Lifted for Hotel on the Cay Following Legionella Remediation

Extensive plumbing replacements and negative test results allow operations to resume, except for one room under further remediation and testing

  • Staff Consortium
  • January 16, 2025
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Hotel on the Cay, located in the Christiansted Harbor, is seen surrounded by water following the lifting of a cease-and-desist order due to legionella concerns. Photo Credit: GETTY IMAGES

ST. CROIX — The V.I. Department of Health announced Thursday night that it has lifted the cease-and-desist order for Hotel on the Cay after recent laboratory tests showed negative results for legionella bacteria in all but one room. The hotel is now permitted to resume operations, with the exception of the affected room, which remains under remediation.

“Based on negative laboratory results in all but one sample, the hotel is permitted to resume hotel operations except for one room which is still under remediation,” stated Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion. “After additional remediation in that room, we will retest that room and periodically test randomly selected rooms.”

DOH praised the hotel’s swift action in addressing the issue. Ms. Encarnacion acknowledged Hotel on the Cay's cooperation, which included extensive plumbing replacements to eliminate the contamination and prevent further cases of Legionnaire’s disease.

The cease-and-desist order was issued last week after the Department of Health confirmed cases of Legionnaire’s disease and detected legionella bacteria in the hotel’s water systems, including showerheads and kitchen and bathroom sinks. The order required immediate remediation of the water systems and a follow-up sampling process to confirm the absence of legionella before operations could resume.

DOH said it will continue to monitor the situation, with plans to retest the room still under remediation and conduct periodic random testing in other rooms to ensure ongoing safety for guests and staff.

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