In support of the Virgin Islands Department of Health’s coronavirus requirements to help contain the spread, the Virgin Islands National Guard (VING) is on orders to further advocate the stay-at-home order and physical distancing guidance as per the direction of the V.I. governor on April 7.
Effective April 6, Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. announced that all beaches in the territory are closed until April 20 in his efforts at curbing the COVID-19 virus and as a way to discourage residents from ignoring the stay-at-home order and physical distancing.
“The Virgin Islands National Guard will be deployed to support VIPD and DPNR to enforce this order,” said Bryan. “I am appealing to you, tell your friends, your family and your loved ones to do the right thing and to stay at home.”
While the V.I. Police Department and V.I. Department of Planning and Natural Resources are enforcing the new mandate, VING will assist in helping educate and redirect individuals who are not obeying the stay-at-home order.
As they support the territory, the guardsmen are asking the community to abide by the stay-at-home order. Together all will help slow the spread of the virus in the territory.
The governor, who declared a State of Emergency on March 13, states that the upcoming weeks between April 24 and May 14 are expected to be the peak period of hospitalizations.
VING has ensured that all health and safety measures are in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s standards. Based on the support missions, all personnel will be in the right personal protective equipment.
VING is on the frontlines of this COVID-19 pandemic fighting against an invisible and dangerous enemy. The health and safety of guard members is the utmost priority.
For more information on COVID-19, the new strain of coronavirus, please visit the USVI Department of Health’s website, www.doh.vi.gov/coronavirus or text COVID19USVI to 888777. For non-medical information, call 340-715-6843 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., seven days a week. #COVID19USVI
