~ Curfew implemented as of August 5th.~
MARIGOT:--- Latest data from Public Health France shows a sharp increase in COVID positive cases in Saint Martin (138 during the week of July 26 to August 1 vs. 63 the previous week ). Louis Constant Fleming hospital still hosts a large number of patients, with 13 people as of August 4th in the COVID unit. Two deaths are to be deplored in 2 weeks.
In Saint-Barthélemy, the number of COVID cases also rose sharply with 170 new cases from July 19 to 25 and 167 from July 26 to August 1.
The incidence rate reaches 1705/100 inhabitants and the positivity rate 8,4 %.
Since the health situation in Guadeloupe and Martinique has been deteriorating for several weeks and the hospital system cannot cope alone, the Prefet of Saint Barthélemy and Saint Martin has decided to introduce additional measures to curb the spread of the virus on our islands.
Establishment of a curfew in the islands of Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Martin from 22h to 5 am.
Starting Thursday, August 5th until Friday, August 20th at 10 pm, a curfew is set up on both islands from 22h (10 pm) to 5 pm to limit travel and travel gatherings that increase the risk of contamination.
Travel will be prohibited from 22h to 5 am except for compelling reasons. Persons moving during these slots must have an exemption certificate and proof of their situation. This certificate is available on the website of the Prefecture www.saint-barth-saint-martin.gouv.fr. For business travel, a certificate is to be signed by the employer; it will be valid for the whole curfew period. Restaurants and drinks will be able to accommodate customers up to this schedule in accordance with the health protocol.
In addition, all demonstrations are prohibited until Friday, August 20, except, however, for demonstrations on the public highway mentioned in articles L. 211-1 et seq. of the Code of Homeland Security. Sports activities are tolerated behind closed doors.
The sale of takeaway alcohol and its use on the public highway remain banned from 18 pm.
Strengthening of entry conditions to Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Martin
In order to limit the spread of the virus between the islands of Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Martin, the Prefet has decided that travelers by sea should now present:
- a complete immunization status,
- either the result of a negative antigenic or PCR test, have a compelling reason, and comply with 7 days isolation upon arrival in the territory.
In addition, as a reminder, travelers from Sint Maarten (via Juliana airport or sea shuttles) or another country classified as 'orange' towards Saint-Barthélemy must if they are not vaccinated:
- present the result of a negative antigenic or PCR test,
- have a compelling motive
- and respect a 7-day isolation upon arrival in the territory.
Other travel arrangements remain unchanged.