How Will We Celebrate Easter This Year?

April 1, 2021

Due to COVID, we are experiencing the loss of another annual tradition here on St. Croix. For as long as I can remember, beach camping has been a key part of our Easter traditions. It’s a time when we mark our territory on the local beaches and ready the campsite for the influx of friends and family. There’s the smell of the good food, the sounds of children playing in the waves, and dominos slamming on the card tables. So okay, there was the occasional sound of loud music, generators, and even a television. Personally, my favorite part was waking up to the sound of the surf and the peace of the early morning.

In advance of the upcoming Easter holidays, Governor Albert Bryan Jr. has eased restrictions for churches, which now can have gatherings of up to 200 people or 50 percent of their capacity, whichever is less, Government House said today.

The new limit goes into effect immediately and will remain in effect moving forward, the government spokesman said. “Just to be clear, you cannot seat 200 if your capacity cannot accommodate 200 people,” Government House Communications Director Richard Motta said.

Motta reminded churches that parishioners still must wear a mask and adhere to social distancing guidelines.

“We have an especially long Easter holiday weekend, beginning with Transfer Day on Wednesday and ending with Easter Monday. Government Offices will be closed during this time, and Governor Bryan encourages all Virgin Islanders to enjoy the long holiday weekend but do so safely and in accordance with our local health guidelines,” he said. “Please do enjoy the beach but remember that they will be open at 6 a.m. and closed at 5 p.m. from this Wednesday until Monday. All other health guidelines apply while on the beach, including mass gathering restrictions and social distancing.”

Anyone who thinks they may have contracted COVID-19 can call the Epidemiology hotline at 340-712-6299 or 340-776-1519. For more information, visit covid19usvi.com.

For information about the COVID-19 vaccines, call the VITEMA hotline Mondays-Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 340-777-VACS (8227)