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~Discussions with the Netherlands ongoing --- Ottley.

PHILIPSBURG: --- St. Maarten will also follow the footsteps of the European Union and mainly France by implementing the QR codes for persons that are vaccinated. Minister of VSA Omar Ottley confirmed on Wednesday that discussions are currently taking place with the Netherlands, and it is expected that the required QR code for St. Maarten will be launched within the next two weeks.
The Minister of Health said that in the very near future the government of St. Maarten would not have to force anyone to take the COVID-19 vaccinations as is the case for healthcare workers of France. Ottley said that having the COVID -19 vaccination will become a way of life since the European Union and France have begun implementing measures that will require everyone to take the vaccinations. The Minister further explained that other countries will soon be implementing the same measures and that are being implemented in Europe.
The Minister said that he continues to plead with people to take the vaccines now since in a matter of time this will be a part of life as it is already a requirement for cruise passengers. He said airlines will also make it mandatory for travelers to be fully vaccinated.
Ottley said that for now everyone whether or not they are residing legally on St. Maarten can get vaccinated at any of the vaccination centers of pop-up locations since the VMT will continue with the pop-ups throughout the month of July. He said after that vaccination will only be done by appointments which could take as much as 5 weeks before someone can receive their first shot. He warned that after the vaccination campaign persons desirous of traveling would have to begin planning at least two months in advance in the event they are not vaccinated.
Ottley said as the Minister of Health his job is to ensure there is public safety. He said right now there are human rights and human safety that have to be considered. The Minister said that already over 4M people have lost their lives to COVID 19 and each day this virus is adjusting itself. Currently, the world is dealing with the Delta variant that is by far more deadly and contagious. Already there are 5 cases of Delta variant identified on St. Maarten and 2 on St. Martin.
Due to this variant countries are becoming afraid and as such, they are implementing measures in order to protect their people.