US VIRGIN ISLANDS — Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion on Friday issued a Public Health Order prohibiting live bands at outdoor events and clarifying guidelines for DJ performances and food and alcohol sales.
The Order prohibits live bands at outdoor events from Saturday, October 10, through Friday, November 6and sets parameters for DJ performances.
Commissioner Encarnacion issued the order on Thursday, October 8, and Governor Albert Bryan Jr. affirmed it with his signature on Friday, October 9.
According to the Health Commissioner:
- Gatherings that exceed 50 persons, including, but not limited to, political campaign events or meetings, concerts, parties, cultural events, and other gatherings are prohibited;
- Gatherings of less than 50 persons shall be allowed but must observe all social-distancing principles and wearing of facial coverings, in compliance will all mandates of the Sixteenth Supplemental Executive Order issued by the Governor of the Virgin Islands on September 8, 2020, as amended and supplemented.
- Live bands are prohibited at any outdoor event from Saturday, October 10, 2020, until Friday November 6, 2020;
- Single person DJ performance shall be allowed within the parameters of this Order and the Sixteenth Supplemental Executive Order issued by the Governor of the Virgin Islands on September 8, 2020, as amended and supplemented. The DJ must be set up with a minimum space of ten (10) feet between the DJ and Patrons/Attendees using social distancing principles.
- Pursuant to VI Law and this Order, the sale of food is prohibited without a current health card.
Pursuant to VI Law and this Order, the sale of alcohol is prohibited without a current liquor license issued by the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs or a special permit issued by the Commissioner of the Police Department.
Violators may be penalized as follows:
- $1000 per participant for violation of the mass gathering prohibitions
- $5000 per organizer of any mass gathering that violates the prohibitions
- Immediate closure of the event.
All public health orders are available at the Department of Health website at doh.vi.gov.
