~ Protocols tend to change for August 1st, 2020.~
PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Health and Labor Richard Panneflek announced that CPS is now monitoring 3 cases of positive COVID-19 cases. These persons are under quarantine at their homes. Panneflek said that only one person was tested positive that came in on the repatriated flight on Saturday, July 18th, while a second person was inconclusive. The Minister said that the person that tested positive did not have any symptoms when they arrived and as such the risk of spreading was minimal since the person wore a mask inflight.
Asked about the protocols in place the Minister of Health said that the flight that came in falls in the period while St. Maarten’s border is closed to the USA, thus persons that returned to the island during that period must adhere to the 14 days quarantine.
Panneflek said that should the borders reopen by August 1st to the US territories then the protocol will change. He said that right now both the French and Dutch authorities are working closely in monitoring the passengers that are arriving on St. Maarten through Princess Juliana International Airport.
He said an application will be available for incoming passengers traveling or returning to Sint Maarten who have a valid PCR test taken within the last 72 hours to upload prior to boarding the flight. Persons who have no valid PCR test within the required 72 hours will be PCR tested at the airport upon arrival. Dr. Perk will be the physician spearheading the operations at the airport on behalf of the Department of Public Health. Dr. Perl’s role will be to monitor and confirm the validity of COVID test results presented, to oversee testing for those without valid test results and persons whose results exceed the 72 hours mark.
So far, there are 81 confirmed COVID-19 cases on St. Maarten, 63 persons recovered, while 15 persons are deceased.
Persons that intend to visit St. Maarten as of August 1st are asked to follow the requirements such as having the PCR testing before arrival time.
