SXMElections.com

PHILIPSBURG:--- Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs announced on Thursday that there are now 50 confirmed cases of COVID-19 on the Dutch side of the island while 8 persons have died due to the pandemic. She said two of those persons had underlying causes that they were dealing with.
There are 133 persons on self-quarantine, 203 persons on self-isolation, 134 persons were tested, 50 tested positive, two of which are hospitalized, one is still pending. Of the positive cases, 34 are males and 16 females, 82 persons have tested negative, while one of the persons tested results is inconclusive.
In the meantime, CPS is working on creating a dashboard for data purposes. The public will also have access to the site to see the figures and graphs.
As for online purchases at supermarkets, Jacobs said that all supermarkets are now on board to deliver essential items. She said that the deliveries are late because this is a new situation for all supermarkets. She said the intention was to lockdown totally for a period of two weeks however, the decision to allow online shopping is to give persons who did not stock up prior to the shutdown. She said that deliveries will take at least two days. Prime Minister cautioned that online shopping is for essential items, she also warned residents that they are not allowed to show up at supermarkets for shopping as this is strictly prohibited.
Jacobs said over 400 persons received boxes from government, she said other persons that registered will also receive food boxes as they go along, this includes pensioners. The Prime Minister said that there are 4000 persons who filled in forms for assistance and this will take place next week.
Testing for COVID-19 will continue as CPS staff as well as volunteers will be going into the community to test people.
Jacobs said that her government already indicated that St. Maarten informed the Kingdom Council that St. Maarten prefers to have a grant to the tune of 245M this money will be used to assist businesses and vouchers to persons that need assistance.
The border control continues as long as the lockdown is in place. Persons are advised to stay home and not to venture out for sightseeing. Residents are allowed to venture out to dispose of their garbage and to also walk their dogs.
Persons and or businesses who violate the waivers they were granted will risk losing those waivers and fined.