Emergency Press Briefing:
1. Fresh magma is close to the surface (wants to get to the surface). The possibility of an explosive eruption has significantly increased.
2. There is still a state of uncertainty. Cannot predict an explosive eruption.

3. Preparations should be finalized for final evacuation. Need to be at a state where you are ready to move people.

4. Stage 3 disaster alert (under section 31 of the National Emergency and Disaster Management Act) declared. No evacuation order issued. Evacuation order falls under stage 4.

5. PM Gonsalves has spoken to PMs of Barbados and St. Lucia and authorities in Cuba and Venezuela regarding assistance if necessary. Regional PMs have already pledged assistance for those who may need to be evacuated. These persons will need to be vaccinated.

6. In touch will a cruise line regarding the possibility of using a ship to house evacuated persons. Again, these persons will need to be vaccinated.

7. Up to 20,000 people may need to be evacuated.

8. Schools will not reopen on Monday 12 April.

9. We do not need to panic. We need to be calm. We need to be disciplined. - PM Gonsalves

10. We will rebuild this country, as we did in 1979, if the worst happens. - PM Gonsalves

11. A cruise ship with capacity to house 1500 persons can get to SVG by 8pm. Another can arrive shortly after.

12. Grenada and Antigua have also identified locations that can act as shelter facilities for evacuated Vincentians.

13. CMO - Re: COVID and Shelters - strongly recommended that everyone who will have to be in a shelter or engaged in the management of a shelter be vaccinated.

14. We have sufficient vaccines on hand. All clinics are open and ready to vaccinate and test.

15. All elective procedures will be suspended at the MCMH to provide for those who may sustain injuries e.g. burns due to an explosive eruption.

16. Commissioner of Police: We have put things in place to ensure effective and efficient evacuation.

17. Have identified vulnerable persons and those with/without transportation in red zones. Already consulted with the Regional Security System (RSS). RSS is ready to mobilize.

18. Livestock - There are 4 demarcated phases: phase 1 completed - this phase addresses the issue of protection of private and public assets in agriculture (animals etc.)

19. Phase 2 addresses the issue of food security. Phase 3 addresses recovery