SXMElections.com

PHILIPSBURG:--- Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs announced that one of the COVID-19 patients that were hospitalized at the St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) passed away on Thursday night. Jacobs said so far, there are now 9 deaths recorded on the Dutch side of the island while 5 persons recovered from COVID-19. Jacobs said there is still one person in critical condition.
The Prime Minister said those that passed away had other underlying conditions.
In the meantime, the Prime Minister made clear that there is a possibility that the lockdown could be extended, she said that the main focus right now is to conduct testing within the community and to reach those infected and have them isolated. Jacobs said that the government is doing all it can to stop the spread. Jacobs said St. Maarten had run out of PPE and other materials for testing but the government managed to secure a flight to bring in the much-needed materials. COVID-19 testing will resume on Monday.
Jacobs said when the spread of COVID-19 is contained she will slowly uplift the lockdown partially, she said she wants a full two weeks of the shutdown. Jacobs said in the past when she addressed the nation residents thought it was a joke and did not take her seriously. She said people just need to stop moving for now.
St. Maartens Prime Minister said the government is doing all it can to ensure that everyone gets to eat, she said that 677 food boxes were delivered recently while another 400 will be delivered during the Easter holiday weekend. The Prime Minister said that all government workers that are delivering foodstuff to homes will be in a marked vehicle, she warned residents not to open up their doors to any and everyone.
In the meantime, the Prime Minister said that deliveries from supermarkets will continue to deliver food items that were ordered from the various supermarkets.
Jacobs condemned the persons that are videotaping CPS workers when they are visiting patients that are either under quarantine or in isolation, she said those persons that are videotaping are violating the patient's privacy rights and if they are caught they will be prosecuted.
The Prime Minister also condemned those that are using their time to steal or commit robberies. She said there is no need to rob anyone, or to steal, Jacobs further explained that government workers were also held up and she is very much disturbed with what is taking place.
The Prime Minister called on landlords to be patient and not evict their tenants who could not pay their rents. She said the government received their budget support and this money will be passed on to those that are not able to pay their rents, while she called on those persons that are still working or are being paid to pay their rent and other bills.