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DAILY HERALD ARTICLE

Can't blame it on US tourists.

This plane came from Florida. Is that where they were? How did they get on that plane? And since article states the casino worker's friend is one of the other cases, I guess they weren't wearing face masks. Someone will still blame the USA tourists or not.

There were NO tourists on the flight you are referring to, it was a repatriation flight.

Right. Only returning locals on that plane.

They still had to have the test, correct? This just proves what we've been saying all along: a test before you actually arrive is useless.

From what I understand, these folks were given a test upon arrival. They were told they didn't have to have any test at ALL and they changed the rules (imagine that....) less than 24 hours before they came, so everyone had to be tested upon arrival.

If I recall they had the option of getting a test before leaving or taking one upon arrival with possible quarantine if positive.

There are now 10 cases on the dutch side, none being treated at SMMC as they are at home. Story here.

This is the problem that will keep this virus around.
"SMN News has been reliably informed that Americans that are either working or living on St. Maarten have been coming through other ports and cross over to the Dutch side of the island. Sources say these persons are traveling from San Juan then to St. Barthelemy and then to St. Maarten"

SMN News is not a very reliable source.

Sometimes they get it right. This one is believable.

You know that to be factual?

Not factual but I can see this route taken for people that are so desperate to return they'll do anything to get back on island.

Government of Sint Maarten
6h ·
** Minister of Public Health Updates on St. Maarten’s COVID-19 Developments **

Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA) Richard Panneflek hereby updates the general public today, Thursday, July 23, 2020, in order to keep the community of St. Maarten informed about the latest COVID-19 developments and the Government’s response measures.

Based on the latest available data provided by Collective Prevention Services (CPS) Epidemiologist Dr. Raissa Tjon-Kon-Fat, for today, July 23, 2020, as of 6:00 PM, St. Maarten had 94 persons with a laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 infection. 16 of these cases are currently active cases reported during the past few days. On July 21st, 2 new cases were confirmed. 3 new cases were confirmed throughout July 22nd, and 10 active cases were confirmed this evening July 23rd. To date, there have been 63 persons recovered from COVID-19 and 15 persons have passed away. Our current 16 active cases are actively being monitored by CPS and they have also initiated source and contact tracing for all cases to ensure that the virus is contained as soon as possible. Minister of VSA Richard Panneflek will host a press statement with CPS representatives in order to further update the general public tomorrow morning.

As per CPS procedures, all individuals that have been identified to have contact with a confirmed case have been placed in quarantine and have received information on COVID-19. Over the course of the quarantine period they will continue to be monitored by CPS. Persons that are required to quarantine or isolate according to CPS procedures, are required to stay at home and limit contact with all other persons, including their own family. This is the only way to ensure the mitigation of the spread of the virus. All positive cases are in isolation, with one confirmed case admitted to SMMC today, July 23, 2020.

The sudden spike in cases over the past few days which have been reported and confirmed on St. Maarten have been mainly local transmissions, of which 3 cases are confirmed as being travel related via the repatriation flight from the Dominican Republic of July 22nd. Some 143 passengers were tested at the airport over the past week as residents returned on several repatriation flights. Besides this number, GPs and CPS also send samples to be tested on a regular basis as soon as symptomatic persons make themselves known. In contrast to last March when we had our first cases, CPS, the labs and government are better equipped to deal with an outbreak. CPS is highly commended for getting contact tracing started right away on the newly reported cases which also led to new cases being identified today. CPS will continue this process to be able to contain the spread of the virus.

The virus can only spread through human movement and contact; therefore, the general public is once more urged to remain vigilant and do everything necessary to mitigate the further spread of COVID-19 and keep yourself safe. We must all do our part in the fight against COVID-19 and not become complacent. The Government of St. Maarten will strictly enforce all social measures as has been constantly communicated to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 on St. Maarten.

Protect your loved ones and the public of St. Maarten by staying at home, avoiding crowded areas, maintaining proper social distancing of 2 meters from other persons, cough or sneeze into your elbow or a napkin, and always wearing a mask when out in public. The public is also encouraged to continue washing your hands often with soap and water.

If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, stay at home and call your family doctor. For additional questions or concerns, call CPS at 914. Rest assured that this Government is doing its utmost to keep the public safe. The general public is asked to cooperate to avoid any further shut downs at this time. Stay tuned tomorrow morning as Minister Panneflek and CPS will update in a press statement.

Wasn't it also reported that one of the new cases was a local casino worker?
That could account for the one day increase in reported cases.
Easy group spread if that business is not enforcing masks.

Everybody, locals and visitors, must follow the safety guidelines.
If not, pop up case numbers will continue.

Several casino workers.

No lockdown ordered.
https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/no-return-to-lockdown-says-govt

36 active cases now per Dr. Soc. 1 in isolation and 1 in SMMC. The other 34 are at home isolating.

Not a good sign for US returning August 1.

Or anytime soon thereafter.

But, this can NOT be blamed on US tourists.

Correct. I blame it on the relaxing of the locals not wearing masks and disregarding social distancing.

Yup....it seems like they are more interested in dealing with the confirmed cases than trying to prevent person to person transmission from untested persons. Wearing a mask when in public places will help and it's not even one of the "5 things to do" list.

This disease has only begun on SXM. Give it another month and everything will shut down....or...you can wear a mask.

Not everyone. https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/social-distancing-at-cafe-rembrandt

Looks like fun!

It was! But I sure do need a haircut!

Me too! I need a perm!!

Looks like more inspections for enforcement will be gong on.
https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/update-no-return-to-lockdown-but-more-inspections-says-govt

And a mask law.

Quote from that story-- "De Weever did not disclose whether the country would still open to the United States on August 1 as scheduled, given these developments."

August 1st is awful close to not know for sure.

Not sure why there isn't one with this new surge in cases.

Everything takes time here. Tons of bureaucracy causes island time.

I would have thought there would have been a mask law in place before.. As far as opening to the US, I'm just guessing but I think he wasn't asked that question.

It's always been just a suggestion to wear one.

Does the US have a mask law?

Some states governors have required it but doesn’t seem to have a lot of teeth in regards to enforcement.

The US does not have a mask law and our esteemed governor here in Florida has also refused to order it. SXM has seemed to be more on the ball though, and more strict, which is why I was surprised by it.