COVID-19 EXPOSURE AT LEGISLATURE FORCES POSTPONEMENT OF HEARINGS FOR REMAINDER OF WEEK

VI CONSORTIUM

Senate President Donna Frett-Gregory has advised the public that committee meetings and official activities on the legislative calendar through the rest of the week have been postponed due to Covid-19 exposure on Monday.

“Out of an abundance of caution, Legislature buildings in the Thomas-St. John and St. Croix districts are being cleaned and sanitized,” said a release the Senate issued Tuesday. “The following meetings are being rescheduled – Committee on Rules and Judiciary on Tuesday, March 9 and Thursday, March 11, 2021; Committee on Homeland Security, Justice, and Public Safety on Friday, March 12, 2021; as well as tours scheduled for Wednesday, March 10, and Friday, March 12, 2021 organized by the Committee on Housing, Transportation, and Telecommunications.”

According to the Legislature, after learning of the positive Covid-19 case, the Legislature building on St. John was immediately closed to employees to allow for testing and building sanitization. Employees and other individuals who may have had contact were placed on quarantine until tested by the Department of Health, unless they were fully vaccinated and without symptoms. The building will reopen on March 17, 2021 with restricted access.

“During this waiting period, the building will be closed as a precautionary measure, however, the Legislature remains operational during this period,” said Ms. Frett-Gregory.

The Senate president sought to reassure all staff and the public that as soon as incidents arise, safety is her number one priority and immediate steps are taken to mitigate and address any health concerns.

“As we navigate this global pandemic and its effects on our institution and community, we thank the public and our employees for their patience and understanding,” she said. “We encourage all Virgin Islanders to remain vigilant to protect their health.”