As the territory braces for Hurricane Earl to track nearby, government workers must be on the job at 8 a.m. Monday to secure their workplaces. Nonessential workers will be sent home at noon.
Public school students across the territory have the day off, but teachers, administrators and support staff including custodians, maintenance workers and food service staff should report at their usual time to secure the schools. School buses won’t operate. The school lunch program will be closed.
The University of the Virgin Islands is closed Monday but staff is required to secure the campus.
In a press release issued late Sunday, Gov. John deJongh Jr. urged residents and visitors to complete storm preparations since some areas of the territory are expected to get tropical storm force winds.
“I can assure each of you that the government is prepared to activate all of its emergency response mechanisms should the threat from Hurricane Earl intensify,” the governor said.
The governor authorized the Human Services Department to open emergency shelters on each island at 10 a.m. Monday. The locations are St. Croix Educational Complex and the Knud Hansen Complex on St. Thomas. On St. John shelters are at Julius Sprauve School in Cruz Bay and Emmaus Moravian Church in Coral Bay. Pets are not allowed at the shelters and pet owners should make alternate arrangements for their animals. Those using shelters should bring medication, diapers, baby formula, pillows, blanket, identification card, radio and flashlight, and books or toys for their children.
Additionally, the Licensing and Consumer Affairs Department froze prices at existing levels on all foods, general supplies and services.
VITRAN buses will operate Monday on their regular schedules until it becomes unsafe to continue operation.
Sand bags are available at Public Works Department headquarters on all three islands and at the Fort Christian fire station on St. Thomas.
The U.S. Coast Guard will close the territory’s seaports at 8 a.m. Monday. However, special provisions will be made for individuals in need of critical medical needs and for life-sustaining medical supplies. Airlines are currently determining whether or not to suspend flights to the territory.
