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~ Projected time frame to return to normalcy May 2022.~

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Minister of VSA Omar Ottley announced on Wednesday at the Council of Ministers press briefing that he is busy working on his vision to normalcy and strategic plans. Ottley said that a number of things will happen gradually as St. Maarten returns to normalcy as everyone has to learn to live with the COVID-19 virus.
The government will stop the testing by the Collective Preventive Services (CPS) and have all diagnostic testing done through laboratories based on a referral from General Practitioners (GP) During this time CPS will continue to issue quarantine, isolation, and recovery letters to those that need them. CPS will remain ready to mobilize in the event to respond to an outbreak.
The Minister said that his vision to return to normalcy will be by May 2022.
Information will be shared on clinical guidelines, case definitions to indicate when a person should be referred for testing
A tariff will be established for SZV to cover an amount of the cost for diagnostic tests (PCR) for the insured persons.
The Ministry is also working to secure a budget to be able to supplement a number of tests covered under SZV for the elderly and vulnerable persons to receive free testing. (Vulnerable to be defined by CDFHA/Social Services/Social Development but to include the uninsured population)
Laboratories will be upgraded to be able to conduct sequencing and to determine and detect the new strain of the virus. This matter is yet to be discussed as the Ministry just started its meetings with the various stakeholders.
The St. Maarten Medical Center will have an increase in the ICU department, as the medical facility has sent some nurses to train in order to strengthen its capacity in the event of an outbreak.
(Dutch Caribbean Hospital Alliance will increase capacity, a shortage of medical professionals and nurses remains a global challenge.
The AMI will have to remain a back of plan in the event of a serious outbreak, provided the Netherlands remains willing to financially assist.
Entry requirements to remain the same.
Testing will still be required for non-vaccinated and vaccinated. No test required for persons who have received their Booster or have a Validated/Recognized recovery letter within the past 6 months)
Strengthen sanctions by the Inspectorate of VSA to employers who violate isolation requirements.
Exchange ideas as to how Aruba is tackling the return to normalcy.
The Minister will be holding discussions with Aruba Health officials to exchange ideas on how that island is planning to return to normalcy.
Ottley said a further discussion on how to make this procedure more realistic needs to be incorporated in the Public Health Ordinance amendments which will be worked on since the intention to introduce the return to normalcy is scheduled for May 2022.
The Government of St. Maarten is working on keeping the island open and boosting the economy by having businesses operate normally, however, the intention is to ensure that all guidelines, protocols, and policies are respected.