Just listened to government press briefing. It was said we would have a plan for opening of airport on June 15th with possible opening July 1st to certain countries, yet to be determined. More info when official docs are made available

My guess would be that they will start with the surrounding islands and returning residents, like they have eluded to the past few weeks. They have been so careful that I would be really surprised if it was anything else.

I understand that July 1st is the earliest possible opening of PJIA for commercial airlines with health protocols yet to be worked out.

That is what is happening for Phase 3. This July 1 would be for Phase 4.

Not a guess. It has been clearly stated for some time that these groups will be the first. And go into quarantine, for which the government only has room for 35 people.

Hopefully there will be a printed release with more specific detail soon.

Details will come June 15th

July 1, 2020 is the earliest possible date for the reopening of Princess Juliana International Airport. Travel between Covid-19-free Caribbean islands. This possible date is contingent on everything on the island holds steady healthy-wise.

“St. Maarten is looking at July 1 as earliest date that we can open the airport.” TEATT Minister Ludmilla de Weever

When the reopening happens it will be a total reopening to all destinations.

Government is looking at allowing travel sooner from the Dutch Caribbean islands, Anguilla and St. Barths and possibly other islands that are COVID-19 free.

June 15 is the deadline for setting guidelines for return of visitors to St. Maarten/St. Martin. Guidelines will be shared with destinations from which visitors will arrive from.

(Source: Govt. of St. Maarten)

There was a bit more detail in the press conference as to the vectors that will impact the opening. We just opened our restaurants so they are taking two weeks to assess our health.

If you care, you can watch it here. https://www.facebook.com/SXMGOV/videos/576037563296581/

Huh. Am I reading that correctly, that IF they reopen July 1, they will be opening to all destinations?

That is how I read it too but with health protocols yet to be determined.

It appears that several other islands are requiring a negative Covid 19 test, done within three days before arriving. If so, that may be difficult for many people to obtain, where you can't get a test unless you have symptoms. Not saying that it might not be a good idea though.

I doubt every country. Or every airline. Everyone has to abide with everyone else's protocols. It's a huge undertaking vetting the status of everyone else. Again, we'll see.

Dunno, just going by what the statement said. Maybe that isn't what they meant, but that's certainly how I read it.

Seems like the government and PM is trying for a 100% covid19 free island forever. This unrealistic policy is putting the island in a much more dangerous position with Social issues, other health issues and severe economic issues more than the virus could could ever cause. The world is opening and sxm still Wants to isolate. Certainly their plan is not to stay closed until a vaccine is in place or make everyone quarantine , which is still no guarantee. When a Prime Minister tells its citizens to plant a garden that’s a worrisome plan. This virus will likely be around a long time ,it’s time to put arrival protocols in place and deal with it so the island can recover with tourists dollars rather than depend on the Dutch for money they don’t want to give or slow to come if ever for good reasons. Fear is the bigger enemy.

Sure do want to go to St. Maarten. Our June trip has been cancelled. With that being said, sure doesn't sound relaxing getting tests, jumping through hoops, wearing masks and other steps. Think we'll just wait it out until things return to normal and the bad flu subsides.

Ciao and Cheers !!!

Any idea what the quarantine hotel is? I have seen a hotel in Simpson Bay mentioned multiple times and I know of one resort that has announced they are closed until October and I am curious as to if it is the hotel/resort I am thinking of? Thanks.

From what the PM said, it may be scattered in several different places. They have asked for help from all, and have some positive reactions.

I posted that earlier on this thread.

I think I'm going to St Croix in July.... its better in an American territory for now...maybe next year to SXM