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In a nutshell

Posted By: BillandElaine

In a nutshell - 04/18/2020 01:24 PM

Covid-19 Update - St. Maarten/St. Martin

Airports

Travel restrictions have been imposed by the authorities.

At Princess Juliana International Airport: Only cargo flights are authorized to land.

At Grand Case Airport: To maintain regional territorial links, commercial flights are operated since March 23 by Air Antilles Express. Flights are operated by Twin Otter 17-seater aircraft on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Flights are reserved for someone accompanying a very sick person, those who need urgent surgery, chemotherapy, dialysis and those traveling for professional reasons in link with the crisis. All travelers must show proof of residency on their travel documents and documents proving the motivation to travel.

Inter-Island Ferries

Ferries between St. Martin and Anguilla are suspended until further notice from Marigot Ferry Station.

Ferries between St. Martin and St. Barthelemy are suspended until further notice from Marigot Ferry Station.

Marina Fort Louis

Fort Louis Marina in Marigot is closed to the public. In case of emergency please call +33 690 66 19 56. From 8:00am to 4:00pm on weekdays and from 8:00am to noon on weekends. Also contact by e-mail: info@marinafortlouis.com.

Maritime Zones Closed

The French side Maritime Zones are closed until further notice.

Dingy navigation is authorized for groceries and fuel, but boaters need to fill in the same form as car drivers.

Port St. Maarten

Cruise ships are not allowed until further notice.

Galisbay Port

No cancellation or modification to the schedule for the reception of goods.

Cruise ships are prohibited since the publication of the French Ministerial Decree on March 13.

All activities at the commercial port considered a vital and are maintained.

Hospitals

At Louis Constant Fleming Hospital, precautionary measures have been taken to limit access to the hospital with exception of the ER.

French Side Circulation

On the French Side, Emmanuel Macron, the President of the French Republic extended the confinement until May 11, 2020. Schools will be gradually reopening from this date on, Universities and higher education will not reopen before the summer festivals and big events are not to be authorized before mid-July.

Borders with non-EU countries will remain closed until further notice.

Both the Prefecture and the Collectivité issued a decree stating that all outdoor recreational activities such as going to the beach, hotels pools and shared pools in residences are prohibited until further notice.

A personal movement waiver is needed for all circulation on the French side. The form must be filled in by each individual every time one goes out for a specified reason.The form can be downloaded from the links: Facebook : Préfecture de St Barthélémy et de Saint Martin or website: saint-barth-saint-martin.gouv.fr

The non-compliance to these rules is punishable by a fine starting from 200€.

Both French and Dutch governments have agreed to a “Friendly Border Control” to restrict non-essential movements. This is in an effort to reduce the possibility of the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

Dutch side Circulation

Since April 14, on the Dutch Side government implemented a relaxation of the confinement restrictions to allow the population have easier access to basic commodities.

For all waiver requests to cross the borders, a letter must be addressed to Carl John, Chief of Police via e-mail: pr@policesxm.sx.

From March 24 and until further notice, vessels are not allowed to enter into the Simpson Bay Lagoon.

Educational institutions

Day care centers, kindergartens, schools, colleges and high schools in Saint Martin were closed on Monday, March 16.

Schools in St. Maarten were closed on Wednesday March 18 until further notice.

Businesses

On the French side, essential establishments are open to the public and non-essential businesses are closed until May 11, 2020. All allowed establishments are required to close at 6:00pm until May 11th, 2020.

On the Dutch side, banks have reopened April 15.

Supermarkets, bakeries, gas Stations, banks, pharmacies have reopened. All are required to close at 6:00pm until further notice.

(Source: Compiled from official info given by both sides of the island)
Posted By: Carol_Hill

Re: In a nutshell - 04/18/2020 01:26 PM

Thanks for the concise information, all in one post!

Take care, stay safe.
Posted By: Cincinnati_Kid

Re: In a nutshell - 04/18/2020 01:40 PM

Thank you for this information. Very startling!
Don
Posted By: ruralcarrier

Re: In a nutshell - 04/18/2020 01:41 PM

Thanks!
Posted By: doctorj

Re: In a nutshell - 04/18/2020 02:50 PM

Thank you so much for all of the clear information.
carib cheers,
doctorj
Posted By: SXMScubaman

Re: In a nutshell - 04/18/2020 02:51 PM

Thanks for that info.
Posted By: pat

Re: In a nutshell - 04/18/2020 03:28 PM

As always, clear and concise island info. Thank you.......😊😊
Posted By: JoeandLori

Re: In a nutshell - 04/18/2020 03:43 PM

Thank you for the info. I rebooked everything from early May now to early Dec. Hurricane season for me from July-Nov. Would love to come earlier but........
Posted By: PelicanPirate

Re: In a nutshell - 04/18/2020 04:41 PM

Surreal..........
Posted By: sxmbeachlover

Re: In a nutshell - 04/18/2020 04:56 PM

WOW! We love your posts! Keep em coming!
Posted By: bran

Re: In a nutshell - 04/18/2020 07:15 PM

thx for all the info.
Posted By: Lainer105

Re: In a nutshell - 04/18/2020 07:27 PM

Thanks for this great up-to-date info.
Posted By: PreK176

Re: In a nutshell - 04/20/2020 04:49 PM

Thanks Elaine for the information. Always good to get updated island info from those experiencing this! Stay safe! And hope to see you guys next year!!
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