Traveltalkonline.com Forums


SXM Cruise Schedule TTOL Sponsors SXM Travel Calendar
Forum Statistics
Forums39
Topics38,428
Posts310,024
Members26,538
Most Online2,218
Jan 21st, 2020
Top Posters(30 Days)
RonDon 114
pat 43
jazzgal 41
Todd 40
Member Spotlight
BVIslander
BVIslander
Road Town
Posts: 39
Joined: October 2004
Show All Member Profiles 
Today's Birthdays
ecco, OceanDrop, vincent
Who's Online Now
5 registered members (SANFILIP, sxmpete, MNsnowbird, 2 invisible), 807 guests, and 65 spiders.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Rate Thread
Page 4 of 4 1 2 3 4
Re: Airport reopening to US postponed for two weeks [Re: SXMScubaman] #229008
06/30/2020 09:22 AM
06/30/2020 09:22 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Apparently there is going to be another change. Press conference now scheduled for 2:30 PM this afternoon.


Carol Hill
SXM Sponsors
Re: Airport reopening to US postponed for two weeks [Re: SXMScubaman] #229010
06/30/2020 10:10 AM
06/30/2020 10:10 AM
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,560
St Maarten
BillandElaine Offline
Traveler
BillandElaine  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,560
St Maarten
Just posted about requirements for entry. Nothing about flights.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?...et=a.100468197628&type=3&theater


Elaine
*********************************
God Bless the broken road....
Re: Airport reopening to US postponed for two weeks [Re: BillandElaine] #229012
06/30/2020 10:36 AM
06/30/2020 10:36 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
I don't understand why they use Facebook for official notices, but whatever, since anyone can read it. Doesn't look any different except for the insurance requirement. I guess they will go over the insurance requirement at the press conference.


Carol Hill
Re: Airport reopening to US postponed for two weeks [Re: SXMScubaman] #229018
06/30/2020 11:14 AM
06/30/2020 11:14 AM
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,346
Rhode Island
RonDon Offline
Traveler
RonDon  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,346
Rhode Island
"travelers must purchase their own travel insurance....'

Does this mean mandatory proof of travel insurance or you can't get in?

Re: Airport reopening to US postponed for two weeks [Re: Carol_Hill] #229019
06/30/2020 11:17 AM
06/30/2020 11:17 AM
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,560
St Maarten
BillandElaine Offline
Traveler
BillandElaine  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,560
St Maarten
Probably because it's quick.


Elaine
*********************************
God Bless the broken road....
Re: Airport reopening to US postponed for two weeks [Re: RonDon] #229020
06/30/2020 11:17 AM
06/30/2020 11:17 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Apparently. I guess there will be more details released at the press conference.


Carol Hill
Re: Airport reopening to US postponed for two weeks [Re: SXMScubaman] #229022
06/30/2020 11:25 AM
06/30/2020 11:25 AM
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 58
C
CaribEagle Offline
Traveler
CaribEagle  Offline
Traveler
C
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 58
Anxiously awaiting another press conference.

Re: Airport reopening to US postponed for two weeks [Re: SXMScubaman] #229024
06/30/2020 11:53 AM
06/30/2020 11:53 AM
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 243
zeus1963 Offline
Traveler
zeus1963  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 243
Recommendations on travel insurance from anyone. Actually never felt the need, but if required obviously I will get some.

Re: Airport reopening to US postponed for two weeks [Re: zeus1963] #229027
06/30/2020 12:12 PM
06/30/2020 12:12 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
You need to wait until they tell us what TYPE of insurance you need. I have a feeling that it may require Covid 19 insurance, which is difficult to get. They may be announcing they have set up an insurance pool like Aruba has done, and if so, possibly that will be the type required?


Carol Hill
Re: Airport reopening to US postponed for two weeks [Re: Carol_Hill] #229029
06/30/2020 12:20 PM
06/30/2020 12:20 PM
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 243
zeus1963 Offline
Traveler
zeus1963  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 243
Anxiously waiting. Really miss being there but it just doesn't seem to be meant to be this year.

Last edited by zeus1963; 06/30/2020 01:03 PM.
Re: Airport reopening to US postponed for two weeks [Re: zeus1963] #229030
06/30/2020 12:37 PM
06/30/2020 12:37 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
For sure, many people are very anxious to go. With the way Florida cases are exploding right now, I don't think we're going anywhere, regardless of what SXM does..


Carol Hill
Re: Airport reopening to US postponed for two weeks [Re: Carol_Hill] #229031
06/30/2020 01:11 PM
06/30/2020 01:11 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,564
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Offline OP
Traveler
SXMScubaman  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,564
Auburn, WA
The states that have higher counts of covid are the ones that have the airports that service flights to SXM. Not good.

Re: Airport reopening to US postponed for two weeks [Re: SXMScubaman] #229032
06/30/2020 01:15 PM
06/30/2020 01:15 PM
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 243
zeus1963 Offline
Traveler
zeus1963  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 243
I wonder what that means to canadians flying thru these airports.

Re: Airport reopening to US postponed for two weeks [Re: SXMScubaman] #229033
06/30/2020 01:17 PM
06/30/2020 01:17 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,564
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Offline OP
Traveler
SXMScubaman  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,564
Auburn, WA

Re: Airport reopening to US postponed for two weeks [Re: Carol_Hill] #229034
06/30/2020 01:20 PM
06/30/2020 01:20 PM
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 837
Florida
W
wilsonck Offline
Traveler
wilsonck  Offline
Traveler
W
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 837
Florida
Anyone who wants a test in Florida can get one. I know SXMscubaman said he could not get a test. I'm curious what other areas of the country where people can not get a covid-19 test.

Re: Airport reopening to US postponed for two weeks [Re: wilsonck] #229038
06/30/2020 01:41 PM
06/30/2020 01:41 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Wilson--I don't know that is true everywhere even in Florida. Regardless, the problem is that Covid in Florida is freaking out of control.


Carol Hill
Re: Airport reopening to US postponed for two weeks [Re: Carol_Hill] #229040
06/30/2020 03:10 PM
06/30/2020 03:10 PM
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 837
Florida
W
wilsonck Offline
Traveler
wilsonck  Offline
Traveler
W
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 837
Florida
The reason I asked that is because every major population center in Florida has testing sites run by the Florida Department of Heath where covid-19 test are done regardless of symptoms though some only do 18 and older. Also certain CVS and Wal-Marts have testing sites as well. In the case of CVS, there are 30 locations with 30 miles of my zip-code where I can make an appointment and have the test done. You can search on their website to see what locations offer testing. I'm curious how access to testing is available in other states. The ease of access to testing is what drives our numbers. Most of the people testing positive are asymptomatic, so if they did not have easy access to testing, they would not know they were positive.

Re: Airport reopening to US postponed for two weeks [Re: wilsonck] #229041
06/30/2020 03:36 PM
06/30/2020 03:36 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Wilson--If you listen to the EXPERTS, the numbers in Florida cannot be pegged just to increased testing. And the percentage of positive cases has been double the previous weeks.


Carol Hill
Re: Airport reopening to US postponed for two weeks [Re: SXMScubaman] #229044
06/30/2020 03:55 PM
06/30/2020 03:55 PM
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,560
St Maarten
BillandElaine Offline
Traveler
BillandElaine  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,560
St Maarten

Last edited by BillandElaine; 06/30/2020 04:09 PM.

Elaine
*********************************
God Bless the broken road....
Re: Airport reopening to US postponed for two weeks [Re: BillandElaine] #229053
06/30/2020 05:44 PM
06/30/2020 05:44 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 536
M
mort Offline
Traveler
mort  Offline
Traveler
M
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 536
Stay safe. We are doing our part here so that we may come back when it is safe for you and us.

Re: Airport reopening to US postponed for two weeks [Re: mort] #229060
06/30/2020 07:48 PM
06/30/2020 07:48 PM
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 236
M
MrWhiskerssammy Offline
Traveler
MrWhiskerssammy  Offline
Traveler
M
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 236
I agree about coming back when it is safe for us and you. I'm not at the point that I need to go back to the island so badly that I would want to stay overnight in a hotel and then get on a plane. I think the island will be surprised at how few really want to get back so soon. Hope everyone running a business there can make due until the winter or spring because from all the conversation I am seeing on this web site not a lot of people are thinking of coming back in the near future. I also feel that the Prime Minister is doing what she thinks is the right thing to do for the health and well being of the people on the island. Just hope she is right for the business owners who are not making enough money to feed their families and pay the rent.

Re: Airport reopening to US postponed for two weeks [Re: SXMScubaman] #229073
07/01/2020 09:24 AM
07/01/2020 09:24 AM
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,880
B
Bahston Offline
Traveler
Bahston  Offline
Traveler
B
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,880
Did anyone else listen to the Press Conference? My understanding is that there was a major concern about the elevated number of COVID-19 cases in the US, plus less-major concerns about pressure from French-side, and also concerns about pressure from the other Dutch islands and the Netherlands.

My takeaway is that “2 weeks” is an assessment point, 2 weeks may turn into 4 weeks, but that 30 days is a red line.

Did you listen? What is your takeaway?

Re: Airport reopening to US postponed for two weeks [Re: Bahston] #229074
07/01/2020 09:29 AM
07/01/2020 09:29 AM
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,560
St Maarten
BillandElaine Offline
Traveler
BillandElaine  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,560
St Maarten
Yes, exactly. Decision to close to US happened very fast. Health of the population won out over economics.

We listen to them all.


Elaine
*********************************
God Bless the broken road....
Re: Airport reopening to US postponed for two weeks [Re: Bahston] #229078
07/01/2020 10:22 AM
07/01/2020 10:22 AM
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 58
C
CaribEagle Offline
Traveler
CaribEagle  Offline
Traveler
C
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 58
Bahston- I think you are correct 2 weeks could easily turn to 4 weeks. However, I do think that the French side pressure to close the border probably lead to the total US exclusion. I could see a scenario whereby certain states are not allowed in as well.

Re: Airport reopening to US postponed for two weeks [Re: CaribEagle] #229080
07/01/2020 10:30 AM
07/01/2020 10:30 AM
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,560
St Maarten
BillandElaine Offline
Traveler
BillandElaine  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,560
St Maarten
Nope. The Ministers clearly stated several times the overriding reason was the state of the US. They are working on border protocols if Dutch side status changes.


Elaine
*********************************
God Bless the broken road....
Re: PJIA opens to tourists July 1 [Re: BillandElaine] #229092
07/01/2020 10:53 AM
07/01/2020 10:53 AM
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,288
P
PelicanPirate Offline
Traveler
PelicanPirate  Offline
Traveler
P
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,288
I suppose it is possible to isolate your island paradise for the moment, but hated to say it, folks will suffer big time and perhaps permanently financially as this will be an issue for at least another year.

Another two weeks here, two weeks there, before you know it August and we will attempt back to kindergarten and off to college season. Next we will be in full flu season, the holidays and then winter.

In the USA, almost everyone,except totally isolated hermits, will meet the coronavirus.

SXM can lock its doors to the USA, but mr corona is going to slip in under that door. Maybe from Europe or another island.

I think a more educated and prudent policy is to require of every human, regardless of country, to have a PCR test to board the plane and to retest on island arrival. Perhaps a test on departure to protect the rest of the world.

Re: PJIA opens to tourists July 1 [Re: BillandElaine] #229097
07/01/2020 11:02 AM
07/01/2020 11:02 AM
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 837
Florida
W
wilsonck Offline
Traveler
wilsonck  Offline
Traveler
W
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 837
Florida
Originally Posted by BillandElaine
Nope. The Ministers clearly stated several times the overriding reason was the state of the US. They are working on border protocols if Dutch side status changes.


The situation here in the US is no different than last week when they made the announcement saying they were going to allow Americans. There is no way Sint Maarten opens to USA until the EU allows Americans. Sint Maarten is not going to risk forcing Saint Martin to close their border.

Re: PJIA opens to tourists July 1 [Re: wilsonck] #229098
07/01/2020 11:09 AM
07/01/2020 11:09 AM
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,560
St Maarten
BillandElaine Offline
Traveler
BillandElaine  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,560
St Maarten
Not true


Elaine
*********************************
God Bless the broken road....
Re: PJIA opens to tourists July 1 [Re: PelicanPirate] #229099
07/01/2020 11:10 AM
07/01/2020 11:10 AM
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,560
St Maarten
BillandElaine Offline
Traveler
BillandElaine  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,560
St Maarten
How about the folks up north get over themselves and start doing the right thing?


Elaine
*********************************
God Bless the broken road....
Re: PJIA opens to tourists July 1 [Re: BillandElaine] #229102
07/01/2020 11:23 AM
07/01/2020 11:23 AM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,564
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Offline OP
Traveler
SXMScubaman  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,564
Auburn, WA
Don't paint us all with the same brush. Many of us wear masks, social distance and take all necessary precautions. Not like a lot of locals on St Maarten that I see pictures of on Facebook in bars and restaurants hugging each other, dancing, and sitting in large groups without masks or social distancing.

Re: Airport reopening to US postponed for two weeks [Re: SXMScubaman] #229104
07/01/2020 11:37 AM
07/01/2020 11:37 AM
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 368
Kansas City Missouri
kccouple Offline
Traveler
kccouple  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 368
Kansas City Missouri
With the EU banning US citizens from entering europe, won't that affect French St martin also? Maybe both sides?

Re: PJIA opens to tourists July 1 [Re: BillandElaine] #229105
07/01/2020 11:39 AM
07/01/2020 11:39 AM
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 58
C
CaribEagle Offline
Traveler
CaribEagle  Offline
Traveler
C
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 58
Originally Posted by BillandElaine
How about the folks up north get over themselves and start doing the right thing?


Wow... you do realize that over 99% of the "folks up north" have NOT tested positive for the virus and I can tell you that the vast majority of the people I come around are practicing social distancing and wearing mask when in close contact.

Re: PJIA opens to tourists July 1 [Re: SXMScubaman] #229107
07/01/2020 11:48 AM
07/01/2020 11:48 AM
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
pat Offline
Traveler
pat  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
Hey! I managed to get my hair cut and colored and a mani-pedi, too, so I guess I'm set for a t least another month or two. Or three? Mmmmmm - maybe that's pushing it but..............

I think we all need to take a deep breath and chill. The island will do whatever it does, for whatever reasons it chooses and we have no option but to accept their decisions. I'm hopeful to return in November but if it's not safe, I'm not going.

In the meantime, I'll continue wearing my mask, accepting the local decisions here at home as to what I can do and what I can't and I will continue to practice social distancing. And at the same time I will hope that my island friends are able to survive financially through this frightening time. And I seriously hope and pray we all stay healthy and get through this pandemic safely.


Respectfully,

pat



"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat
them."
Re: PJIA opens to tourists July 1 [Re: BillandElaine] #229108
07/01/2020 11:48 AM
07/01/2020 11:48 AM
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,346
Rhode Island
RonDon Offline
Traveler
RonDon  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,346
Rhode Island
Originally Posted by BillandElaine
How about the folks up north get over themselves and start doing the right thing?

What exactly is that supposed to mean?

Re: PJIA opens to tourists July 1 [Re: BillandElaine] #229110
07/01/2020 11:52 AM
07/01/2020 11:52 AM
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 837
Florida
W
wilsonck Offline
Traveler
wilsonck  Offline
Traveler
W
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 837
Florida
Originally Posted by BillandElaine
Not true


Do you see a situation where Sint Maarten allows Americans and the EU still not allowing Americans? This would force Saint Martin to either close their border or setup border checkpoints to check for passports. I just don't see the that happening.

Re: PJIA opens to tourists July 1 [Re: wilsonck] #229113
07/01/2020 12:12 PM
07/01/2020 12:12 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
OK, not addressed to anyone in particular, but as our 'voice of reason' has stated, everyone needs to take a deep breath and chill. I am closing this thread and will open another one, in which CIVIL comments will reign..


Carol Hill
Page 4 of 4 1 2 3 4

Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.6.1