TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin US Flights still coming on August 1

Daily Herald link

Quote from the story "De Weever said there will be stricter health protocols for passengers on these flights. However, these have yet to be released."
UHMN, August 1 is in TWO DAYS and you have not yet released the new stricter health protocols???????????????

I started a new thread here, because the other thread seems to have gone way off the rails, off the original subject...

Which is exactly why I started cancelling my two weeks starting August 8th. Just don't have faith that I will clear every hurdle and they will add a new one. The wife really likes going to the French side so it really isn't worth it anyway at this point. Really hope they get a vaccine soon so that some normalcy can resume.

Go to... https://stmaartenupdates.com

From requirements listed ...

”Visitors are strongly advised to purchase all-risk travel insurance, ensuring that you are covered in any unfortunate situation while on vacation....“

I wonder what this will cost ?

That update still doesn't address with charity if that test has to be taken within the 72 hr window. It is confusing as written along with the answer given in the question answer section.

Give it a rest, Scubaman, the test and result have to both be done within 72 hours. That has been confirmed numerous times.

BGH--'strongly advised' is not the same as 'required'. This may change between now and Saturday, who knows?

It can be read either way and is not clearly stated. Show me where if has been confirmed please.

The Travel Requirements on the EHAS website make for interesting reading. https://stmaartenehas.com/

Both the tourism minister and Dr Soc have confirmed it in online interviews, which are linked on the Island 92 webpage.

Would be nice if government would actually print it saying BOTH have to be done within 72 hrs of arrival instead of the confusing way it's stated now that can be interpreted either way.

Have to admit that is what finally got me to decide to cancel. Just can't get a guarantee that I could take the test and get results within 48 hours. It says 72 but if you are flying on a Saturday you would need to take the test Wednesday at the latest and receive the results on Friday.

Coming from west coast with an overnight flight shortens that time down till arrival.

I posted that in the other thread. I will copy here as well.

What company is that through?

Is medical evacuation included

It's through Seven Corners



Yes, it includes $500,000 of medical evacuation coverage separate from the medical maximums.

Thank you.

Visitors to face fine, imprisonment for fraudulent COVID-19 test results

As St. Maarten prepares to reopen to the United States as of August 1, visitors are warned that fraudulent COVID-19 tests results will violate of the country's Penal Code and could see fraudsters fined or face (isolated) imprisonment. The fine amount and length of imprisonment have not been shared by government.

Visitors with an invalid test will be re-tested and quarantined at their own expense. Those
isitors must stay confined to their accommodation until a negative PCR test results are received, and show no sign of symptoms, except if urgent medical care is needed.

All lodgings (hotels etc.) were inspected by government to ensure COVID-19 protocol and guidelines are followed.

Strict regulations are also in place for travel to the country. All passengers are required to complete a
COVID-19 (PCR) test; must receive a negative test result within 72 hours before the arrival date. No other test will be accepted by St. Maarten.

Visitors, except for flight crew, are required to complete an online health declaration 72 hours before arrival via www.stmaartenentry.com. Visitors are required to travel with a copy of their health declaration. Travelers are asked to check their spam folder if they do not receive email confirmation.

All visitors are required to travel with their masks, hand sanitizers and wear mask in flight.

Visitors are strongly advised to purchase all-risk travel insurance, ensuring that they are covered in any unfortunate situation while on vacation.

American Airlines will resume flights daily from Miami and five times a week from Charlotte, except on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. After August 20, AA will fly once a week from Charlotte.

Delta Airlines will operate three times a week from Atlanta on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Jet Blue will fly once a week from JFK Airport.

Spirit Airlines will fly once a week from Fort Lauderdale.

(Source: Govt. of St. Maarten via Ministry TEATT)

Thanks.

This still doesn't say if test has to be done within that 72 hr period.
"All passengers are required to complete a
COVID-19 (PCR) test; must receive a negative test result within 72 hours before the arrival date."

When reading the website posted, I'm seeing for the first time a "certified negative Covid test".....does this mean notarized? Anyone have a clue what that means??

Another announcement from Government page
"** Public order measures regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19) **
According to the Police Kingdom Act, the Minister of Justice is responsible and accountable for both the public order and assistance tasks as well as for the judicial tasks of the police. Pursuant to Article 1 of the General Police Ordinance, everyone must abide by the regulations established by the Minister of Justice during extraordinary circumstances in the interest of public order, peace, or security.
In this regard, the Minister of Justice Anna Richardson, in close consultation with the Police, and the Public Prosecution Service, announces the following. On March 11, The World Health Organization declared that the coronavirus (COVID-19 / SARS-CoV-2) is a global pandemic. Based on this declaration, the Government of St. Maarten took fast and effective measures to prevent the virus from spreading on a national level. By increasing its risk management, implementing and enforcing strict preventive measures such as maintaining a social distance of 2 meters from others, the government was able to curb or even halt the spreading of the coronavirus, within a few months.
Recently, it has become apparent that the risk of infection with the coronavirus is still present on St. Maarten and has become of great concern. On the 21st, 22nd, and 23rd, of July, there have been, respectively, 2, 3, and 10 new infected cases confirmed. pandemic. At the same time, it is observed that the public has become less disciplined in keeping with the aforementioned 2 meter social distancing rule.
For maintaining public order and safety as well as safeguarding the health of the people of St. Maarten in these extraordinary circumstances, it is therefore decided that government inspectors and police officers may put a stop to all public and private events and gatherings in the event that the social distancing rule of 2 meters away from other persons is not adhered to. Additionally, everyone – i.e. individuals, shop owners, restaurateurs, or other entrepreneurs - must strictly follow and comply with all measures taken by the competent authorities to prevent, limit or combat the risks of the coronavirus to public safety.
These precautionary and mitigating measures of the government are an effort to help mitigate the spread of the virus. The inspectors and police officers will strictly enforce these measures. All instructions issued by the police for executing and enforcing these measures should, therefore, be strictly and immediately respected. Non-compliance with these measures will be considered a violation of the General Police Ordinance and the Penal Code.
The community is encouraged to stay informed, practice good hygiene, be aware, and be prepared. As a community, we are in this together in order to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus on St. Maarten."

https://stmaartenupdates.com/#Requirements

This clearly says complete the test AND receive the results 72 hours prior to departure. Seems pretty clear to me.

For the trip we were to take to Amsterdam 8/12/20 it cost us $1200 for two people for one year. Not going on this trip but we're covered for whatever might happen IF we get to go anywhere.

Here's the latest form teh Daily Herald. https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islan...t-an-online-health-authorisation-request


I looked at www.stmaartenentry.com and it seems that it is almost impossible to comply.

Yup....way too many things can go wrong there. Way too many hoops to jump through to be allowed to relax on "vacation". I like to have my travel needs all taken care of and confirmed months before departure and not left to the last few days.....can I get a test? ...maybe....will I get the results back in time...ummmm who knows....will I be able to properly upload the "permission to enter" document....maybe

It will be interesting to hear first hand comments of those who have to stones to try it....and how smooth it went (kidding). I have a tennis buddy who has a home near SBR and is returning next week. I will email him for insight...

Please share his experience here!

And now Covid 19 insurance is MANDATORY. Feel sorry for anyone planning on traveling in the next few days. Along with your other things you must accomplish, you must obtain insurance in the space of a day or two. Great.

boucharda--please do post when you hear from your friend.

Looks like anyone (including Americans) staying in St. Barts (or other low risk areas) for 2 weeks before heading to St. Maarten will not need to have a test up on entry, but they would been tested before their trip to St. Barts and once in again after 7 days. I don't have that type of money though....

I don't see that it is mandatory? It says strongly recommended but your health insurance is mandatory. I am sick just thinking about how I have to jump through hoops to get to my vacation home.

I share your pain as have been trying since June to get back to my second home. Not a visitor but property owner like you.

The newest twist from the Health Minister is "rt-PCR test methods with an Emergency Use Only Authorization (EUA) approval from the FDA will not be accepted."
I have been getting tested since end of June. Checking each result for method of testing and turn time.
I have tried state/public testing, testing by doctor's request and private labs.
All have the 72 hour issue but were getting better (shorter) so that I was getting ready to try booking a ticket again.
UNTIL this last new requirement.
EVERY type of test results all show the EUA statement.

I don't know why the SXM Health Ministry will not accept the tests approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

I would like to know if ANYBODY who is going to SXM in the next week has been able to meet these new test requirements.

I believe the Health Minister is doing all he can to stop the economic recovery of the island by imposing an unattainable ZERO risk policy.
There is no such thing in life as zero risk.
Risk reduction has to be balanced with real life.

From Herald article.
"Visitors must have health insurance coverage and travel insurance covering COVID-19. "
Also stated that Test has to be taken 72 hrs prior to departure which helps with long layovers with connecting flights.

Gary, I agree and thank you for pointing this out. I was willing to jump through all the hoops SXM required including insurance, even if restricted to the Dutch side. However, I just checked my PCR test results ( I’ve had 3 done since May when NYS and my county opened up testing to asymptomatics) and they all have that FDA statement on the lab report. 2 were done by the NYS dept of health and one by my County of residence. Not sure what the difference is, as all the tests involved an uncomfortable ( though brief) and invasive deep nasal swab. I have no idea how to get a test without that statement on it or if they are even available. This does seem impossible to comply with. Perhaps they will reconsider when virtually no one residing in the USA is able to do this ? Even worse for property owners ( obviously) as I can just choose to visit the USVI in November. I’d prefer SXM of course, but can’t see a way to meet this requirement.

I have a question for anyone here in the medical field. When after wearing a mask for 3 1/2 hours on a flight to SXM and continuing to wear a mask while walking down the steps of the plane, walking to a crowded bus and then going to a temperature check. At this point my blood would be boiling and my sweat would have soaked my clothes, Would my temperature rise due to the heat and exercise?

Gary--wow. What a cluster f*ck. It seems absolutely no one can comply with the requirement.

I'll ask my neighbor. Sure I will see her this weekend.

[quote=Carol_Hill]Gary--wow. What a cluster f*ck. It seems absolutely no one can comply with the requirement.

Perhaps The fact that ‘no one in the States is able to comply’ or at least, not very many, is what the SXM government is hoping for? At least they can tell their constituents they’re trying to do something........

Pat--sounds like it to me..

Elaine--please do post, if your neighbor is able to get in tomorrow.

Gary, I checked out the the St. Maarten Health Authorization System website, and it does say the following



The key here is the naso-pharyngeal swab. This is the swab that goes up your nose and turns in to your sinus cavity and the one that most people say it is uncomfortable. Any other test taken using a different type of swab would not be valid. The challenge is still going to be the EUA statement. I tried finding an RT-PCR test that was approved without an Emergency Use Authorization, but I could not find anything.