The ongoing COVID-19 restrictions have necessitated a heightened response to the approaching 2020 hurricane season in Dominica. The government will be implementing standard procedures that will take account of ongoing coronavirus situations in the country in preparing for approaching hurricane storms. The current context of the COVID-19 restrictions will be factored into preparedness for the hurricanes.
This planned response was disclosed by Prime Mininister Roosevelt Skerrit, who also doubles as the chairman of the National Emergency Planning Organization (NEPO). He made the revelation at a NEPO meeting held at the Office of Disaster Management (ODM) earlier in the week.
“Our hurricane response plans must now include standard operating procedures for responding in an epidemic or pandemic context,” he said. “We must, therefore, be vigilant and update our emergency management plans and procedures, particularly considering limitations imposed on our normal operating environment as a result of Covid-19 restrictions.”
While no one prays for the country to be hit by any hurricane storms, the government must be prepared ahead in case of any eventualities, Skerrit said. He added that the memories of the 2017 Hurricane Maria incident remain indelible in the minds of Dominicans, and the country has not fully recovered from the impacts of that past devastation.
PM Skerrit said the government shelter committee has identified the needs for more shelters to be constructed, and the importance of equipping them with cleaning and sanitization supplies in case of coronavirus infectations. To this end, vulnerable folks who use the hurricane shelters are advised to bring along their own face masks, hand gloves, and sanitizers to complement those already provided by the government. He also asked people to arrange for their own foods.
“While I am assured by the private sector that they will have enough food supplies on island during the period,” he advised. “I urge our citizens and residents to continue to follow best practice and ensure that they have on hand at all times, adequate supplies of dry goods, medication and water in the event that we are revisited by a storm.”
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