~Dutch side COVID-19 patient admitted at LCF Hospital on Saturday.~
MARIGOT:--- The Prefecture of St. Martin and St. Barthelemy issued a press release on Sunday addressing the border controls that were lifted by the Dutch authorities even though there are still active COVID 19 cases on both sides of the island.
The release states that even though the French side began its deconfinement measures there is the resurgence of new cases, two of which were confirmed and another two probable cases, therefore, the Prefecture of Saint-Martin and Saint-Barthélemy is strengthening its call for utmost vigilance to avoid the resurgence of the epidemic.
Based on the data thus far including the new case brings the cumulative numbers to 40 confirmed cases since the first case including two active cases and two that are hospitalized in the COVID-19 unit that are awaiting results.
A new case was confirmed yesterday (Saturday, May 16th). This new case demonstrates the persistence of sporadic cases on the territory. Another patient from the Dutch side was hospitalized last night (Saturday night) at Louis Constant Fleming Hospital, forcing the hospital to reopen the COVID unit. Two other patients were admitted yesterday to the same unit and are also awaiting results.
The Dutch side has 8 active cases including a new one on May 12, for a total of 77 cumulative cases and 15 deaths, against 40 cumulative and 3 deaths for Saint Martin since the start of the crisis. The French side applied total containment on March 16 and Sint Maarten on April 4.
A deconfinement strategy adaptable according to the health situation.
On April 4, in order to slow the spread of the virus on the two territories and in response to the complete shutdown implemented by the Dutch Government two weeks after the first containment measures on the French side, the Prime Minister of Sint Maarten, the President of the Collectivity and the Prefet had jointly decided to limit cross-border crossings. It was agreed that this should continue until complete control of the health situation. Certificates for professional reasons have been issued to maintain the economic activity of the island.
The meeting held Thursday, May 14 with the Government of Sint Maarten, with another meeting scheduled for Wednesday, May 20 in order to draw a first health assessment of the internal deconfinement measures put in place on each side. The success of this phase of progressive deconfinement should have been able to lead to the lifting of controls by June 2.
The Government of Sint Maarten has decided today (Sunday) to abolish the controls carried out on its territory, which implies for the French authorities, the greatest vigilance has given the fact there is still active circulation of the virus on the island and in the context of deconfinement on the French side (reopening of primary schools, resumption of economic activity, access to beaches, the opening of restaurants).
The health of the population is the only argument that must guide our decisions. It is for this reason that population movements between the two parts of the island have been limited.
The Prefecture of Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Martin in a still-fragile health context therefore a decision was taken to maintain strict control between the two parts of the island for the next few days.
Entry into the French part is only possible on presentation of a certificate (C Waiver).
The controls carried out by the gendarmerie and the border police are maintained in Bellevue (after the commercial area on the RN7) and in Quartier d' Orléans. Access by Terres Basses and Baie aux Oysters remains blocked.
Each person must be in possession of a certificate justifying entry into the territory of Saint-Martin:
- certificate issued by the Prefecture (compelling professional, health or family reason)
- Form C issued before May 16 by the Government of Sint Maarten.
The Prefecture of Saint Barthélemy and Saint Martin will quickly propose to the government of Sint Maarten to examine, and in conjunction with the Territorial Collectivity of Saint Martin, the conditions which would make it possible to lift these final checks on movements in the French part, in particular in matters of screening and follow-up of contact cases, as well as in respect of barrier gestures and wearing of masks in public places, public transport, and establishments open to the public.
