What happened to this forum?

The trip reports are great but the COVID-19, tests, vaccine etc. is getting depressingly off topic to what we all used to share.
Is there a hope that we we soon be back to talking about SXM and not health, sickness & death?

It's all part of the picture right now. If you don't like it don't read the thread.

It's harsh reality .

Harsh, but that's the reality. BUT, we are headed for a more normal life soon! Just keep wearing your mask and social distancing, and things are going to get better soon!

I think it provides necessary info for all that may have an interest in the game. Apparently we love SXM enough to monitor and participate in a Forum that provides first hand information that is needed if we wish to travel to and from SXM. With the changes in testing requirements changing almost daily, we need to keep informed by those that are able to provide such info. I for one choose to read the threads, and monitor the situation as closely as possible. I hope to return one day to SXM, and if it is sooner rather than later, I need to know what is required by our Govt, the airlines, and the Govt in SXM for travel.
From time to time, I occasionally run across a thread about a subject that I have no interest in, but instead of asking members not post such threads, I just choose not to read them.

Human nature. Gloom and doom , sky is falling , covid19
Bad news sells. Lots of people have written off sxm after about every disaster yet it always survives. Not many people turn on the tv to hear everything ok.

The title of this thread got me thinking.about the fun posts of the past. Like in 2003 or 2004 around this time of year, the new threads every day would extend to 2 or 3 pages. Great trip reports, like now, and of course many cell phone and car rental threads, but many great people just posting their great stories.

cancel the threads and posters, i say!!

Too funny. Sxmmartini would like no posts about Covid related issues or info that could be of great help to people that might be still undecided if to go or not, yet she continuosly posts about tropical vawes that are not even off of Africa! Sooooo much I disagree with you Lady.

I for one am STILL confused as to where to get our tests to be able to fly home (not that I really want to leave here).

Went to Orange Grove was told they no longer do tourist travel. They suggested Simpson Bay Resort. Someone staying there said it’s crowded for testing Thursdays 5-7 only and since we are not staying there parking would be a problem.

Maho clinic lady wouldn’t even open door to us...pointed to door sign testing up to 1pm Wednesdays so would have to return Thursday next day results tha cuts it short.

Bottom line any COVID info here helps. TTOL is a lifeline

Hope this helps

https://medcare.aw/en/covid-test-sxm/

RonDon, We went past the SBR testing sit Thursday about 6:15. Looked like maybe a dozen people lounging around waiting. They test Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. $75 each. Isola provides $5 drinks while you wait.

Any info regarding issues that may affect travel is really appreciated and definitely gives some first hand experiences that can be used by many.

If you are not planning a trip in the near future and just want to see what meals people are enjoying and beaches they visit then pick and choose what threads you read. Covid and entry issues won't interest you so be more selective and realize that some/most here NEED those posts as a guide for their trip..if you ARE planning a trip then read them all

..yup...it ain't your Mama's SXM anymore but it's still SXM

Try St. Maarten Laboratory service cay hill in front of the hospital. It might a bit latr if you are leaving tomorrow. They do a same day test and charge Usd 120. I got mine done at 8am I got result by 1.30pm by email. You have to make an appointment.

AMEN and I am not even religious!!!!! There are still those that refuse to believe we have the worst crisis is our history. We have one more shot to go and then we will feel a little better.We will still follow all the rules and hope others will do the same. You have to admit the flu and colds have been almost non existant this winter!!!

Thanks and my next shot is on March 23rd Pfizer.

I would like to suggest one sticky/ pinned thread for all info much needed for those planning a trip to SXM.
One place with links to what needs to be done for travel. The Government of SXM website etc. The info is at the moment in threads that are old and not updated. If you search PCR there are over 400 posts in St.Maarten/ St. Martin forum. Just a suggestion.

The government of SXM website has everything that is needed on it. I can pin it to the top though.

Very simply, our trip in December wouldn't have happened if it weren't for the personal experiences and wisdom posted by members of this board regarding navigation of the approval process. In particular, the advice on how to sort out the issues with multiple denials by the EHAS website..use multiple email addresses, the phone number posted for help that got me a live EHAS person to speak to on Sunday in time to get us on our Monday morning flight. Thanks again to all who've taken time to post this useful information! Headed back again in April, and it should be much less stressful as a result of everything learned here.

We appreciate all of the information this forum has given us. It keeps us up to date on our favorite island. We always are interested in the good, bad as well as the ugly so we can make informed decisions.

We would really like to go back to the island for a relaxing vacation. The hectic nature of traveling anywhere has kept us local. We took a short camping trip last year and unless travel becomes less complicated we will probably do the same this year. We have had our Covid shots but it doesn’t seem to be making things any easier