March
30, 2020
W.Va.
DMAPS all-in on Gov. Justice’s COVID-19 response
CHARLESTON,
W.Va. – It has been an all-hands-on-deck response from the West
Virginia Department of Military Affairs and Public Safety in support of Gov.
Jim Justice and the fight against COVID-19.
DMAPS and its component agencies continue
to assist Justice, the W.Va. Department of Health and Human Resources and other
state, county and local partners to battle the pandemic:
·
The Division of Homeland Security and
Emergency Management hosts and provides key staffing and support for the State
Emergency Operation Center (SEOC), which is now on Full Activation and working around-the-clock.
DHSEM also provides on-the-ground coordination with county and local emergency
managers. Well before the State of Emergency declaration, DHSEM spearheaded
education and preparedness efforts. It also assists with personal protective
equipment and other vital materials distributions.
·
The W.Va. National Guard has deployed more
than 250 personnel statewide so far in support of state, county and local
response efforts. From helping to sanitize Morgantown facilities and packaging
take-home meals for schoolchildren and their families, to managing the
distribution of vital PPE to front-line healthcare workers and staffing the DHHR
state lab, the National Guard is augmenting civil authorities through multiple
lines of effort.
More about the National Guard’s
significant role is here: https://www.dvidshub.net/news/366076/guard-ramping-up-efforts-combat-covid-19-encourages-flattening-curve
·
The State Police has similarly deployed
personnel and resources in support of the COVID-19 response. The State Police
worked extensively with their fellow law enforcement statewide, providing and
reinforcing best practices to minimize exposure and other risks. Troopers
continue to provide front-line support to communities, health care facilities
and fellow first responders.
·
The W.Va. Fusion Center actively performs
real-time analysis regarding potential public safety threats and
misinformation. It provides regular updates the leaders of the state’s response
and helps verify credible sources of information for the public.
·
The State Fire Marshal’s Office has
adjusted its inspection, examination and certification duties in accordance
with the Stay at Home and other executive orders.
·
The Capitol Police has ensured that the
Stay at Home and other executive orders and guidance remain in effect at the
W.Va. Capitol Complex and other state government properties.
·
The Capitol Police and Fire Marshal’s
Office have also helped DMAPS Secretary Jeff Sandy and his staff package and
distribute more than 30,000 N95 masks. Over the course of last week, 20,000 of
these masks have been received by emergency managers in all 55 counties for law
enforcement (municipal police and county sheriff’s departments) and fire
departments (paid and volunteer). Another 10,000 have gone to the Division of
Corrections and Rehabilitation for its facilities statewide.
·
DCR has developed and implemented a
comprehensive COVID-19 response policy that embraces the latest information and
best practices. It provides clear guidance and direction while also allowing
flexibility so superintendents, other administrators and staff can make the
best decisions for the health and safety of everyone in their facilities. DCR
leaders also continue to coordinate with the W.Va. Supreme Court of Appeals
while its Judicial Emergency declaration remains in effect.
Gov. Justice issued a March 23 letter to
DMAPS employees, thanking all the component agencies and their employees for
their efforts.
“As we fight this war against COVID-19, I
do not take for granted the important role that you play to maintain the safety
and security in our great State,” Gov. Justice wrote.
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