St. Croix, VI – Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA) Director, Daryl D. Jaschen reminds the general public that in response to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic currently impacting the U.S. Virgin Islands, measures have been put in place to safeguard the public and VITEMA employees.

Effective March 24, all in-person business operations, to include community access to VITEMA facilities territory wide, acceptance and processing of Curfew Pass Applications, and in-office appointments are suspended until after April 6, 2020.

VITEMA reminds the public to continue to implement steps to protect yourself and prevent the spread of the coronavirus. We recommend the following:

• Limit socializing and close contact with others, as persons without symptoms can still transmit the virus.
• While sick, avoid contact with others.
• Avoid persons with cold or flu-like symptoms.
• Avoid close contact with sick people.
• Stay home if sick.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and discard the tissue. Wash hands immediately. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs.
• Wash hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub with at least 60 percent alcohol.

For more information on COVID-19, the new strain of coronavirus, please visit the USVI Department of Health's website, doh.vi.gov/coronavirus or text COVID19USVI to 888777. #COVID19USVI

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