Senate President Novelle E. Francis Jr., has implemented precautionary measures for the Virgin Islands Legislature to help minimize exposure to COVID-19 (new coronavirus). Francis finds these measures are necessary after learning that several persons either affiliated with the Legislature or who have recently visited the Legislature have been identified as persons of interest.
Francis has postponed all committee meetings, including a scheduled legislative session, planned for the week of March 16-20. The Legislature will also be closed to all visitors, as an added precaution to minimize exposure. In addition, the Legislature will be closed on Monday, March 16, to allow for a protocol for COVID-19 to be finalized and implemented.
The senate president said it is in the best interests of the Legislature to take all necessary precautions. “The developing circumstances of COVID-19 demand that the Legislature take all appropriate actions to prevent the spread of the virus. We remain hopeful that these measures, in collaboration with ongoing public health efforts, will minimize the risks to our community.”
Francis encourages anyone who is concerned that they may have been exposed to coronavirus to contact the Department of Health’s hotline at 712-6299 or 776-1519.