Will TS Sara’s Projected Path Lead to Business Closures?

So, will NEMO open hurricane shelters this weekend? And what about businesses—will they close while the storm passes? During Tropical Storm Nadine a few weeks ago, many employers still required their employees to come in, and several street vendors stayed open. Today, National Emergency Coordinator Daniel Mendez explained that shelters are prepped and ready to open, but only Prime Minister Briceño has the authority to call off work.

 

Via Zoom: Daniel Mendez, National Emergency Coordinator, N.E.M.O

“Again, the shelters will be opened as necessary. This is one of the actions that each district committee makes on their own. The EOCs are meeting. They understand the different peculiarities of their own districts. So, when there is a need to open the shelters, these will be opened and made known to the public. In terms of determining the closure of businesses, these are major conversations that need to be had. While I can say I do not have the final say, it does not mean I am not providing advice to the chairman of N.E.M.O who is the prime minister. These are major determinations that need to be made. There is always a need to try to find a balance between public safety and the need to keep things going. We did see that happen in Tropical Storm Nadine. We did our best to make those known that the decision was this was a very quick storm, and it was very challenging to provide that advice.”