Coronavirus (COVID-19) has entered the US Virgin Island’s prison population.
The first infection was confirmed on Tuesday afternoon after an inmate at the John Bell Adult Correctional Facility began complaining of mild flu-like symptoms.
Two other inmates, who are from the same area as the first infected person, also tested positive.
The Virgin Islands Bureau of Corrections (BOC) said the inmates are all in isolation and do not require hospitalisation.
Officials have placed the John Bell Adult Correctional Facility on lockdown and it is being sanitised.
All visits by vendors and inmate transfers have been suspended until further notice.
In-person visits, work details and prisoner furloughs remain suspended, as they have been since the start of the pandemic.
Court hearings held virtually remain unaffected. Attorneys may visit with prisoners via secure video conference by contacting the facility to schedule a video visit.
There will also be mandatory temperature checks, pulse readings, hand sanitisation and the introduction of a thermal screening monitoring system.
BOC also has a stockpile of personal protection equipment, such as N95 masks, face shields, gowns, gloves and Tyvex suits in preparation for any anticipated COVID-19 resurgence.