Trump approved major disaster declaration for U.S. Virgin Islands over COVID-19

President Donald Trump approved a major disaster declaration for the U.S. Virgin Islands on March 31, 2020, authorizing federal funding tied to the COVID-19 outbreak, Government House said on April 3, 2020.

The declaration provided federal assistance for emergency work related to coronavirus medical care and related needs. Government House said the Federal Emergency Management Agency would administer the aid and that the federal government would cover 75% of eligible costs across the territory.

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. also requested federal individual assistance for people and households affected by the outbreak. Government House said that request was under federal review.

Approved public-assistance uses included emergency operations center costs, disinfection of public facilities, emergency medical care, temporary medical sheltering, purchase and distribution of food, water, ice, medicine and other consumable supplies, law enforcement, movement of supplies and people, and public health and safety communications.

FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor named William L. Vogel as the federal coordinating officer for recovery operations in the affected areas.

Government House said additional designations could be made later if requested by the territory and supported by further assessments.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/el-presidente-trump-aprueba-la-declaracion-de-desastre-mayor-para-las-islas-virgenes-estadounidenses/