Total Coronavirus Update French & Dutch SXM
As of August 22nd 2020, the total amount of persons infected with the COVID-19 Virus on both sides of the Island stands at 544 total since the pandemic began. This is including the first and second wave of the Virus. The French authorities are reporting a total amount of 176 cases while only 117 are active cases at the moment that is being monitored. The Dutch Side authority and Minister of Health confirmed Saturday August 22nd that a total of 368 persons tested positive for the virus so far. Meanwhile, only 204 cases are active on the Dutch Side for the moment.
The first wave of the virus were handled with swift decision by both French and Dutch authorities when the decision was taken to shut down the country and the economy to control the spread. It was in late May and June that it appeared the virus was under control when for 6 weeks or so there were no new cases reported. At that time the total number of COVID-19 cases on both sides did not even reached 100.
Then in July the Dutch side open its borders to repatriation flights bringing back citizens and students who wanted to come home. There was also an ease in the closing restrictions for none essential businesses which allowed some of the returning students and citizens who were infected with the Virus to risk clusters and the new cases began showing and spreading once again. To make matters worse, The Dutch side felt it was time to open up internationally on August 01st even though there were strict rules and guidelines for entry that offered up some risk then the numbers began to climb. All the while the French side was taking their risk accepting flights from Guadeloupe and Martinique while ferry service from St. Barthelemy were allowed in; pretty soon, like the Dutch side they too were experiencing a second wave with much bigger numbers.
So here is where we stand at the moment; 117 active cases French Side and 204 active cases Dutch Side. Closed borders and a considerable amount of tests done on both sides as they carry out contact tracing to locate those who possibly spreading the virus.
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