USVI Public Schools Will Start Virtual For 2021-2022 School Year

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS —Governor Albert Bryan Jr. has ordered all public schools to utilize virtual learning when they reopen on August 9. According to a statement released by the governor's office, the decision was made for the safety of students, teachers, and administrators.

Bryan's administration is racing to address the surge in COVID-19 cases and the presence of the Delta variant in the territory. “As we watch businesses and the federal government institute requirements that their employees be vaccinated, it makes no sense to tempt fate by trying to maintain our goal of starting the 2021-2022 school year with in-person learning in our public schools until this second deadly wave of the virus is under control and no longer posing a threat to people of all ages,” the Governor said.

The Virgin Islands Department of Health also is advising private and parochial schools to use virtual learning during the current COVID-19 surge.

Over the next few days, the Department of Education will issue details on laptop distribution, virtual orientations, and other pertinent information for parents and students.

The Governor’s decision comes a day after the Virgin Islands Department of Health issued an advisory urging that all children age 12 and older in the Territory get vaccinated.

“With two children recently discharged from our hospitals with COVID-related illness, it is evident that this virus is severely affecting children the same way it is affecting adults. With the 210 active COVID-19 cases and a 4.58% positivity rate, I support the Department of Education’s decision to begin school virtually. The health and safety of our students is a high priority,” Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion said.

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