Trump approves major disaster declaration for U.S. Virgin Islands

President Donald Trump approved a major disaster declaration for the U.S. Virgin Islands on March 31, 2020, authorizing federal funds in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Government House said the assistance would be administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and would provide 75% federal funding for emergency aid across the territory.

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

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

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/president-trump-approves-major-disaster-declaration-for-the-u-s-virgin-islands/