COVID-19 Active cases soars in second wave

As of August 4th, St. Maarten has confirmed six new cases of persons who have tested positive for the Corona Virus (COVID-19). The new total of confirmed cases stands at 156 on the Dutch side only.

Of the active cases, the Collective Prevention Services (CPS) says they are monitoring 73 people who are isolation in their homes with the virus. Minister of Public Health Social Development and Labor (VSA) Richard Panneflek is confirming that “we now have seventy-six (76), active cases of persons who have contracted COVID-19.”

Two of the patients are currently hospitalized and one is being monitored in a government isolation facility. The total number of deaths due to COVID-19 remains at 16. One hundred and eleven (111) 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 76 active cases.

CPS in their continued efforts to control the spread of the virus has now tested 261 persons at the Princess Juliana International Airport, (PJIA) and 839 people throughout the community. As the numbers continue to increase for positive cases, CPS will continue to actively execute its contact tracing measures.

Health Minister Richard Panneflek is urging all persons who are experiencing flu-like symptoms, to stay at home and contact their family doctor. He is advising the public to continue wearing masks in public places, maintain social distancing, sanitize your hands and wash your hands with soap regularly. These are the only steps that we as a community can practice to work towards reducing the spread of the virus.
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