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Department of Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion announced Tuesday that registration for a digital vaccination record in the Virgin Islands — named Polaris Key — opened on July 1. The commissioner said the system "will make it easy for individuals to securely share their vaccination status while maintaining their privacy with a growing network of local organizations," as the administration looks to "safely reopen businesses and events.”
Speaking during the Bryan administration's weekly press briefing, the commissioner said Polaris Key "can be carried as a wallet sized photo as well as an Apple Wallet and Google Wallet.” Polaris Key is optional and is different from a program D.O.H. is implementing that will detect Virgin Islanders who have been vaccinated to make travel less burdensome.
Ms. Encarnacion assured residents that “the program follows cybersecurity and privacy best practices to ensure all your information is secure.”
Relative to the program to make travel easier for the vaccinated, Mr. Encarnacion stated, "That portion of it is taking just a bit longer because as you know we have to complete the contractual process, which is close to being finalized."
In terms of requirements to sign up for Polaris Key, only one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine is needed. The commissioner said when the second dose is administered, the digital key automatically updates.
Interested persons can register here. Responses for frequently asked questions are here. “This website is accessible by using your mobile phones and tablets and will guide you through the information submission process," Ms. Encarnacion stated. Local organizations, travel groups and event planners “can request to join the network to request verification for event attendees and patrons,” she added.
For support with submissions, Ms. Encarnacion said calling the Covid-19 hotlines at (340)-712-6299 and (340)-776-1519 is an option.
She estimated it should take 3-5 business days for individuals to receive their digital vaccination record once their application is completed.
The digital vaccination record can also assist with verifying “your employment for the special drawings of the vaccination lottery for individuals who work in education, for example,” according to the commissioner.
