TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin New COVID-19 Cases

Washington State does but unfortunately some ignore it.

The US Federal Government can not institute a mask law because the constitution does not give the Federal Government the power to do so. Powers not granted to the Federal Government in the US Constitution are left for the states. So, it is left up to each state to require masks.

Texas did finally in early July and it is starting to make a difference

It's a state-by-state decision. Oregon does have a mask law.

As expected, La Préfète des Îles du Nord (the prefect of the northern islands) says if necessary measures are taken on the dutch side, they will keep the border to the french side open. However, if the dutch side proceeds with their plans to open to the USA on August 1st, they will close the border. Story here.

This isn't looking good for accepting more tourists on August 1.
COVID-19 on the
rise 42 confirmed

PHILIPSBURG—In the past thirty-six hours, St. Maarten has confirmed six new cases of persons who have tested positive for the Corona Virus (COVID-19). The new total cases of confirmed COVID-19 cases on St. Maarten now stand at 121.

While St. Maarten braces for its first test of severe weather conditions for the 2020 hurricane season, the community also has to face the reality of a rapid spike in the number of COVID-19 cases.

Of the active cases, local health authorities are monitoring 40 people on home isolation, one person is still hospitalized at the St. Maarten Medical Centre (SMMC) while another is isolated in a separate facility. This, according to Minister of Public Health Social Development and Labour (VSA) the honourable Richard Panneflek “we now have forty-two (42), active cases of persons who have contracted the Corona Virus.”

“One (1) new case was confirmed on Monday, July 27 and at four o’clock on Tuesday the Collective Prevention Services CPS confirmed five additional COVID-19 cases, bringing the total number of cases in the last twenty-four hours to six,” said Minister Panneflek.

The number of people recovered since the first case surfaced on St. Maarten earlier this year has increased by one (1) to 64. One hundred and eighty-nine (189) people are now in quarantine based on contact tracing investigations carried out by CPS on persons who may have been in contact with any of the 42 active cases.

In a continued effort to control, the spread of the virus CPS has now tested 151 people at the Princess Juliana International Airport, (PJIA) and 682 people throughout the community. Minister Panneflek said Tuesday, “As the numbers increase for positive cases, CPS continues to actively execute its contact tracing measures which will likely reveal more cases before the numbers begin to reduce.”

He said there is still a need to ensure absolute safety while we work towards managing the increase in COVID-19 cases. “We cannot stress the importance of wearing masks, social distancing and washing your hands with soap or using proper hand sanitizers enough. These are the only steps that we as a community can take to ensure that we reduce the spread and flatten the curb as the fight against COVID-19 continues,” said Minister Panneflek.

It's not law just suggestion because a law would infringe on people's rights. Personally, I wear a mask. There are some "rights" I'm willing to abandon for the sake of the country's population. Unfortunately. many in USA don' feel that way.

Not sure about all states but I believe in most it is viewed as an "order" or mandate by the governor and not an actual law that is passed. Therefore, when the "order" (and other "orders") are challenged in court in a specific county, it is often overturned in the specific county. At least that is how it is working here in OH.

The easiest and probably most proper way to have a mask ordinance is for local/city government/council to PROPERLY pass a mask requirement. This along with most businesses REQUIRING a mask to enter is less open to a lawsuit.

And as far as the testing and increased number of cases go. It stands to reason, the more testing the more positive results likely to be found. Doesn't matter if it is your state, my state or on the island.

Some governors have issued mandates; NC is one of those. Ours states that masks are mandatory "when in public and social distancing cannot be observed". I find about 70% of people are compliant. Many businesses are now requiring anyone entering their place of business to wear a mask.

Isn't it so silly the people claiming wearing a mask violates their "rights"? I don't recall seeing that one in our founding documents...lol

- Do you have to wear shirt and shoes to enter an establishment?
- Do you have to wear your seatbelt?

You have to wear a seatbelt or get fined. You have to stop at red lights, etc... I think many are just making it a political issue for whatever reason. My opinion is even if you don't think it works if it keeps people employed until we figure it out, suck it up and deal with it.

OK, while I agree with you zeus, this thread has gone far afield of the topic.

Please, everyone, this is a SXM forum, not a current events forum, so let's try to stay on topic.

My apologies.

zeus--we're all guilty of it..

i believe it is anger with a strong scent of frustration

Agreed, everyone has almost the same feelings.

I find it very sad to see used gloves and masks littered in parking lots of stores...

https://www.naturalnews.com/2020-06...gloves-polluting-oceans-and-beaches.html