PHILIPSBURG:--- Several Government offices and services are being affected by the second wave of the COVOD-19 outbreak on St. Maarten. The Department of Immigration and Border Controls closed their doors because an immigration officer tested positive for the COVID-19, due to contact tracing four other persons working at the department are now under quarantine.
The St. Maarten Tourist Bureau also had to close its doors as someone in high standing also tested positive. SMN News understands that all employees of the Tourist Bureau were sent to be tested while the office is now closed.
The Inspectorate of Health and Labor located at the Vineyard Building is also closed as an inspector tested positive.
Former Minister of Justice Cornelius de Weever is also on quarantine as he was spotted at the now shutdown Cigar Lounge that was operating on Pondfill Road. The former Minister works at the department of IVSA. It is also being rumored that the cabinet of VSA may also have to shut down due to direct contact with the department of IVSA.
SMN News learned that two students are now ill and hospitalized due to COVID-19. SMN News asked the Minister of Education Rodolphe Samuel about this during the live Council of Ministers press briefing. Samuel said that there are talks about the students’ but he had no confirmation or details on the matter. The Minister of Education promised to provide more information later today.
