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~ 1 confirmed case, 13 being monitored by CPS.~

PHILIPSBURG:--- Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs who is also the chair of EOC was visibly upset during her national address on Friday afternoon as she plead with residents of St. Maarten to respect and follow the recommendations given by her for a period of two weeks in an effort to contain the spread of COVID-19 on St. Maarten.
Jacobs said that EOC and the Government of St. Maarten stands ready to reinforce more stringent measures if necessary to ensure that the spread of the virus is contained. She said based on what she has seen thus far residents are not taking the necessary measures to protect themselves, families and the community because they are not adhering to the recommended guidelines on social distancing.
As of March 21st, 2020, businesses that are currently allowed to remain open and conduct business must shut shops by 8 pm in order to keep people indoors. Regulation is currently being worked on that will legally regulate the guidelines given out by her as the chair of EOC.
Jacobs said a stimulus plan is being worked on for those affected by the shutdown and downturn of the economy. The Prime Minister explained that discussions were had with Raymond Knops whose intention was to update the Kingdom Council of Ministers the need of the Caribbean Islands. She said the Minister of Kingdom Relations guaranteed the Overseas Territories that some assistance will be forthcoming. Besides that, the Ministry of VSA is busy working on social assistance for the recipients of social assistance which will be continued along with social packages.

HEALTHCARE

The St. Maarten Medical Center is working on finalizing the pavilion which will house 10 beds and workspace for patients tested positive for COVID -19. Currently, containers are being used at SMMC. Jacobs said the second test conducted on the one case St. Maarten has returned positive, making him the first and only confirmed case at the moment while the spouse of the victim has been tested negative. While St. Maarten only has one case thus far CPS is busy monitoring 13 including one person that has been tested positive from the French side. The Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) has arrived on St. Maarten today including stock for the BES islands.
Jacobs warned returning passengers that they must remain isolated for a period of 14 days after returning to the island. She said those persons who refused to stay in isolation willingly will be forced to do since it is for their own benefit and the benefit of the island residents. Those returning passengers will be monitored by CPS with strict guidelines Jacobs said.
ESF 10 is busy accessing how the shut down of businesses is affecting the economy and the island in general if necessary additional measures will be implemented for those that have not been in full compliance.