This could become a global rule as it has now been determined that some people do not begin to show symptoms until after 14 days. I think it is a good idea to properly isolate more cases and stop the spread.
I always wonder how rules come out in nice round increments of 7, 14, 21 days.......that is a red flag for me unless I hear science says 12.. 7 days and we recommend Rounding to 14 for good measure......So the fact 14 may not be exactly true does not surprise me.
I believe they are talking about the quarantine, for people who are suspected of actually being positive for the virus, as compared to the lockdown. And when you say no food, obviously some grocery stores are doing deliveries to homes, but I don't know what the status is with boats, which I guess is where you are?
Actually Carol, there are NO grocery stores open on the Dutch Side. The French side has a store open each day for a few hours in the morning, but no one from the Dutch Side can cross the border to the French Side in order to go to the grocery store.
The Dutch government said there can be limited delivery of only essential food items like milk, eggs and maybe bread. Nothing else and the minimum order is US $75.
The locals have no jobs, no source of income and are not prepared for anything like this without access to grocery stores. The PM has asked for Dutch Marines from Holland to be flown in but I do not think those have arrived on the island as yet.
Boats anchored on the Dutch Side cannot get food either, just like the locals, and water is limited to one outlet that can be accessed for 4 hours, once a week (but not next week because it is Easter). There are nightly security patrols organized by sailors on both the Dutch and French side because neither the Dutch CG nor the French CG or gendarmes want to patrol the Lagoon or Marigot Bay during darkness. Yes, there have already been several incidents that were reported to the Coast Guard with absolutely no interest by the authorities in pursuing the maters.
Did I say the grocery stores were open? No. I said grocery stores are doing deliveries to homes. And, as has been posted here, other stores have lower limits for grocery delivery. Regarding boats, I don't know what the situation is there.
Here in Vermont Lockdown is also being extended... Governor announcing it Friday! Rain all day today... my Hughes net internet is working without issues!
"the soonest we get this COVID-19 kicked in the butt, the sooner we can open back our towns and ports and allow visitors, but of course only visitors who are COVID-19 negative.”
Visitors that are Covid-19 negative would either mean that the visitor has had the vaccine or a test of immunity/ antibodies?
Well, to be either positive or negative there would have to be a test or screening of some sort involved. Who does the screening? Where does it take place? How is it proven? How long is it good for? It is way too early in this process for most of the questions to be answered.
I believe the people in St Maarten now will back the government on no new entry till we have assurance of that person being negative . I am in Anguilla and we do not want anyone entering at all. We have planes and boats and residents deligently making sure no one is trying to enter illegally. We do not want to get this under control and see our government allow the ports open without assurance of total control. Yes lots of questions to be answered till we can consider opening up our countries.
JD--Yes, way too many questions there, and realistically, there is NO way to do what she says unless you don't allow anyone in, period. And that is probably the only answer, for now.
And another likely reason the island will NOT be ready for tourists/visitors of any nationality for some time. Lots of things to iron out. Even early June may be a real stretch.
Thinking this tourist season will not really start till Mid Oct if all controls are in place. Normally the island shuts down from Aug to Oct for hurricane season so most businesses will not even bother to try and gear back up for a month or so that cater to tourists. Also government will not rush reopening the island for tourists knowing how slow it always is hurricane season. Think that was mentality in saying airport might be closed for up to 6 months as that would get you to Oct. Therefore the government needs to concentrate on what it needs to do to reopen for the citizens and others who live on the island. Those who are in a hurry to get back to SXM should try to understand what the priorities are.
We will all find out together but anything looking at the short term (2 months or less, IMHO) is pure speculation. Sadly, I think Oct. is way more realistic than June.
"the soonest we get this COVID-19 kicked in the butt, the sooner we can open back our towns and ports and allow visitors, but of course only visitors who are COVID-19 negative.” I can see a government card issued after a test that would have to be shown at boarding or arrival showing you are either negative or have the antibodies n system.
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