Chamber Excellence in Business Awards Gala Postponed.

The St Croix Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has carefully made the decision to postpone the Excellence in Business Gala Awards previously scheduled for Saturday, March 28th in response to the issues surrounding the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic and today’s declaration by the Governor canceling the St Patrick’s Day Parade and issuing a State of Emergency for the Territory.

While at the time of this announcement there have been no positive COVID-19 cases reported in the Territory, we feel that an abundance of caution is warranted in discouraging mass gatherings to prevent an outbreak. While we understand the economic impact this has on our island and our Territory, we are all well aware of the challenges facing our hospitals at this time. We felt it was prudent to follow the CDC guidelines that recommend avoiding crowded gatherings to “flatten the curve”.

We encourage all of you to take precautions you think best for yourselves, your families, your employees and to protect those in our community including our seniors and those with chronic illnesses.

The following are prevention tips from the CDC website.

Steps to Protect Yourself

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick
Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care. Learn what to do if you are sick.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
Throw used tissues in the trash.
If you are sick: You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room. Learn what to do if you are sick.
If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.
Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.

We will be providing updates related to this ongoing situation, including financial assistance programs available to businesses, to our Chamber Members as they become available

Helpful Resources for factual information on COVID-19: