U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — Governor Albert Bryan Jr. has requested from the 33rd Legislature a 60-day extension to the State of Emergency declaration that was enacted on March 13 and extended on May 11.
The current State of Emergency is set to expire on July 11, but Governor Bryan is requesting an extension to September 9, 2020.
“Because the USVI is a travel destination, it is not immune to COVID-19 and will remain at risk as long as it remains rampant throughout the U.S. and the world,” Governor Bryan wrote in his transmittal letter to Senate President Novelle Francis Jr.
“The Virgin Islands Department of Health awaits results of tests conducted daily on additional individuals,” Governor Bryan wrote. “Extending the State of Emergency for an additional 30 days or greater amount of time is critical to enabling the Territory to implement adequate staffing coverage, obtain and utilize medical supplies and continue control measures for mitigating the risks.”
In his letter, Governor Bryan said the current recommended plan of action for the Territory is to continue to address the conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic following those outlined by the president and adapted by the Virgin Islands Health Department and the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency.
Governor Bryan also explained why he is asking for a 60-day extension.
“This will allow us together to extend the periods of State of Emergency for a greater amount of time, 60 days for this particular extension, and avoid having to call a session every month while unnecessarily exposing the Legislature and its staff to the possibility of COVID-19,” Governor Bryan wrote.
