GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (DCOMM) – The Prime Minister Hon. Silveria Jacobs chair of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) on Monday, March 23, met with Prefet of Saint-Barthelemy and Saint-Martin Sylvie Feucher, as part of their weekly COVID-19 consultations.
Jacobs was informed about the latest COVID-19 preparedness and response actions taking place on French Saint-Martin, and the Prefet also received an update about Sint Maarten’s preparedness, response and mitigation measures.
“The cooperation of working together to synchronize our islands (Sint Maarten/Saint-Martin) fight against the coronavirus disease COVID-19, has been an on-going effort since it was declared by the World Health Organization as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
“This cooperation continues on a daily basis as part of our joint preparedness, response and mitigation measures where various entities exchange information of on-going developments, and this is essential in preventing community transmission on the island.
“As Prime Minister, I would like to assure the general public that the Governments of both sides of the island have taken measures to protect public health and safety, and will continue to work together to get through this global crisis,” Prime Minister Hon. Silveria Jacobs said on Wednesday.
The Prefet said that the French side is still in a position with local resources to deal with COVID-19, and the tracing of persons is being carried out when necessary. Both the Prefet and the Prime Minister agreed to maintain open communication where it concerns the confirmation of new COVID-19 positive cases.
Both Governments will work towards establishing a protocol of cooperation that would lead to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The Sint Maarten Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport & Telecommunications would also be included when formulating the MOU.
Representatives of the Police Forces from Sint Maarten and Saint-Martin will be meeting to discuss current COVID-19 procedures that have been implemented.
The Republic of France is at a Level 3 (the highest level), but Saint Martin is at Level 2. The current measures will continue to be evaluated and adjusted as needed.
Restrictions on French Saint-Martin will continue for a two-week period. Regarding air travel, restricted charter flights are allowed as well as cargo.
Air Antilles airline is providing limited essential air travel service between Saint-Martin (Grand Case), St. Barths and Guadeloupe for the following reasons: urgent health related matters (dialysis, urgent surgeries, chemotherapy treatment); an essential family member can accompany the patient; and professional travel for crisis management officials.
A similar arrangement is in place with our national airline Winair with respect to limited services between Sint Maarten, Saba and St. Eustatius and Curacao (emergency medical evacuations, health professionals and technical assistants).
Stay Safe, Stay at Home, Wash Hands Frequently for 20 seconds; Don’t Touch Your Face; maintain Social Distancing of up to six feet; Avoid Groups of People; Don’t Share Items between Each Other such as cell phones etc.; Practice Respiratory Hygiene if you Cough (in your elbow), Sneeze in a tissue and throw it in the bin; & Stay Healthy!
Listen to the Government Radio station – 107.9FM – for official information, and news updates or visit the Government website: www.sintmaartengov.org/coronavirus or and Facebook Page: Facebook.com/SXMGOV
