Unbiased look at the Sint Maarten Elections
~hotspots identified, CPS will conduct intense screening.~
PHILIPSBURG:--- St. Maarten has recorded 8 deaths related to COVID-19 announced Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs on Tuesday evening. Jacobs said two persons who died some days ago was added to the list now because, in the beginning, it was not clear what caused the two-person death because they had underlying health conditions. She said these two persons were tested positive thus they were added to the list.Jacobs said that CPS monitored 739 persons had had contact with those that tested positive. She said CPS also identified the hotspots therefore a team of persons will be going into those areas to conduct testing in order to combat the spread of COVID-19. Jacobs called on the community not to attach any type of stigma to the areas identified as hotspots because COVID-19 does not discriminate. Banks on St. Maarten were given a waiver to open but not to the public, the waivers were granted to allow the banks to process pending payroll, and supermarket purchases that are now available.Jacobs said that supermarkets will now be delivered to homes as they are now authorized to do so. The Department of social affairs is busy delivering food items to persons that register for assistance, Jacobs said the department received close to 5000 requests and they are busy working on them. The Prime Minister of St. Maarten asked the community not to register more than once, she said that those persons that registered will receive assistance either by a food box or food voucher.The French and Dutch border control continues as the lockdown remains in effect, Jacobs said that there were some minor glitches but advised the community to ensure they have the necessary forms and or a Disaster Pass.The Prime Minister also called on the community to begin praying, she also shared empathy with those that lose their relatives during this time due to the COIVD-19 pandemic. In the meantime, there are two confirmed deaths related to COVID -19 on the French side with 15 active cases.
