With the onslaught of Hurricanes, one expects that there have to be shelter arrangements: Deputy PM Montgomery Daniel.
Over Three Thousand evacuees remain in emergency shelters in St Vincent as the 2021 Atlantic Hurricane season starts.
Deputy Prime Minister Montgomery Daniel says this reduces the available space in hurricane shelters needed for use, in the 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season.
“While we hope that many persons who have been displaced will be able to return over the next few weeks or months to their homes, there are those who may not be able to, for an extended period, and we have to continue to support these families.”
“The National Emergency Management Organization, NEMO, has been identifying alternate shelters for use during this hurricane season, and while this remains a challenge, we will continue to assess the physical condition of all available shelters.”
Daniel says several measures will remain to reduce the spread of the covid-19 virus in the emergency shelters for the 2021 hurricane season.
“We have just recorded 54 cases of covid-19 in 14 emergency shelters over the past six weeks, and we must continue to adhere to the covid-19 protocols. Therefore, I want to urge persons in the emergency shelters to continue wearing a face mask at all times; this is to reduce the spread of the coronavirus and other viruses that may be present.”
Daniel says families will stay in confined areas within a shelter, as they are currently placed.
Persons are encouraged to go to a shelter within their community.
“There are several communities without an emergency shelter, and in such a case, residents will go to the nearest approved emergency shelter.”
“I also want to say that persons are also encouraged to plan ahead if they need to seek shelter.”
Daniel said that persons should consider staying with families and friends if that situation is available, saying that it is always best to use the shelters as a last resort.
“Equally, persons entering shelters, emergency shelters are reminded to take their supplies to last for at least three days, which includes food, water, bedding, and sanitary supplies,” Daniel said.
