Coronavirus

USVI Cases Rise to 318 as Delta Variant Takes Over; Territory Requiring Vaccination for All Cruise Passengers 12 Years and Older

Last updated at 8:00 p.m. on Aug. 5, 2021 The V.I. Dept. of Health reported Thursday afternoon 318 active Covid-19 cases in the U.S. Virgin Islands, a clear indication that the Delta variant has spread throughout the islands as Governor Albert Bryan and local health officials have said. Earlier in the day, the department reported 290, but updated its Facebook page with the latest numbers. According to D.O.H., St. Thomas represented the majority of infections at 204, followed by St. Croix with 101, and St. John with thirteen.  The growing number of cases have led the administration to rethink its lax strategy to enforcing Covid-19 rules for a tougher approach, where establishments are cited or shut down for flouting protocols, and the Covid Task Force takes a more proactive role in enforcing other restrictions. Mr. Bryan also delayed the reopening of in-person learning until further notice, citing the wild spread of the Delta variant. And the administration has updated a policy for ...