TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Airport reopening to US postponed for two weeks

Apparently there is going to be another change. Press conference now scheduled for 2:30 PM this afternoon.

Just posted about requirements for entry. Nothing about flights.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?...et=a.100468197628&type=3&theater

I don't understand why they use Facebook for official notices, but whatever, since anyone can read it. Doesn't look any different except for the insurance requirement. I guess they will go over the insurance requirement at the press conference.

"travelers must purchase their own travel insurance....'

Does this mean mandatory proof of travel insurance or you can't get in?

Probably because it's quick.

Apparently. I guess there will be more details released at the press conference.

Anxiously awaiting another press conference.

Recommendations on travel insurance from anyone. Actually never felt the need, but if required obviously I will get some.

You need to wait until they tell us what TYPE of insurance you need. I have a feeling that it may require Covid 19 insurance, which is difficult to get. They may be announcing they have set up an insurance pool like Aruba has done, and if so, possibly that will be the type required?

Anxiously waiting. Really miss being there but it just doesn't seem to be meant to be this year.

For sure, many people are very anxious to go. With the way Florida cases are exploding right now, I don't think we're going anywhere, regardless of what SXM does..

The states that have higher counts of covid are the ones that have the airports that service flights to SXM. Not good.

I wonder what that means to canadians flying thru these airports.

Flights out of Florida not allowed to SXM.
https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islan...owed-closure-to-rest-of-us-to-be-decided

Anyone who wants a test in Florida can get one. I know SXMscubaman said he could not get a test. I'm curious what other areas of the country where people can not get a covid-19 test.

Wilson--I don't know that is true everywhere even in Florida. Regardless, the problem is that Covid in Florida is freaking out of control.

The reason I asked that is because every major population center in Florida has testing sites run by the Florida Department of Heath where covid-19 test are done regardless of symptoms though some only do 18 and older. Also certain CVS and Wal-Marts have testing sites as well. In the case of CVS, there are 30 locations with 30 miles of my zip-code where I can make an appointment and have the test done. You can search on their website to see what locations offer testing. I'm curious how access to testing is available in other states. The ease of access to testing is what drives our numbers. Most of the people testing positive are asymptomatic, so if they did not have easy access to testing, they would not know they were positive.

Wilson--If you listen to the EXPERTS, the numbers in Florida cannot be pegged just to increased testing. And the percentage of positive cases has been double the previous weeks.

Stay safe. We are doing our part here so that we may come back when it is safe for you and us.

I agree about coming back when it is safe for us and you. I'm not at the point that I need to go back to the island so badly that I would want to stay overnight in a hotel and then get on a plane. I think the island will be surprised at how few really want to get back so soon. Hope everyone running a business there can make due until the winter or spring because from all the conversation I am seeing on this web site not a lot of people are thinking of coming back in the near future. I also feel that the Prime Minister is doing what she thinks is the right thing to do for the health and well being of the people on the island. Just hope she is right for the business owners who are not making enough money to feed their families and pay the rent.

Did anyone else listen to the Press Conference? My understanding is that there was a major concern about the elevated number of COVID-19 cases in the US, plus less-major concerns about pressure from French-side, and also concerns about pressure from the other Dutch islands and the Netherlands.

My takeaway is that “2 weeks” is an assessment point, 2 weeks may turn into 4 weeks, but that 30 days is a red line.

Did you listen? What is your takeaway?

Yes, exactly. Decision to close to US happened very fast. Health of the population won out over economics.

We listen to them all.

Bahston- I think you are correct 2 weeks could easily turn to 4 weeks. However, I do think that the French side pressure to close the border probably lead to the total US exclusion. I could see a scenario whereby certain states are not allowed in as well.

Nope. The Ministers clearly stated several times the overriding reason was the state of the US. They are working on border protocols if Dutch side status changes.

I suppose it is possible to isolate your island paradise for the moment, but hated to say it, folks will suffer big time and perhaps permanently financially as this will be an issue for at least another year.

Another two weeks here, two weeks there, before you know it August and we will attempt back to kindergarten and off to college season. Next we will be in full flu season, the holidays and then winter.

In the USA, almost everyone,except totally isolated hermits, will meet the coronavirus.

SXM can lock its doors to the USA, but mr corona is going to slip in under that door. Maybe from Europe or another island.

I think a more educated and prudent policy is to require of every human, regardless of country, to have a PCR test to board the plane and to retest on island arrival. Perhaps a test on departure to protect the rest of the world.

The situation here in the US is no different than last week when they made the announcement saying they were going to allow Americans. There is no way Sint Maarten opens to USA until the EU allows Americans. Sint Maarten is not going to risk forcing Saint Martin to close their border.

Not true

How about the folks up north get over themselves and start doing the right thing?

Don't paint us all with the same brush. Many of us wear masks, social distance and take all necessary precautions. Not like a lot of locals on St Maarten that I see pictures of on Facebook in bars and restaurants hugging each other, dancing, and sitting in large groups without masks or social distancing.

With the EU banning US citizens from entering europe, won't that affect French St martin also? Maybe both sides?

Wow... you do realize that over 99% of the "folks up north" have NOT tested positive for the virus and I can tell you that the vast majority of the people I come around are practicing social distancing and wearing mask when in close contact.

Hey! I managed to get my hair cut and colored and a mani-pedi, too, so I guess I'm set for a t least another month or two. Or three? Mmmmmm - maybe that's pushing it but..............

I think we all need to take a deep breath and chill. The island will do whatever it does, for whatever reasons it chooses and we have no option but to accept their decisions. I'm hopeful to return in November but if it's not safe, I'm not going.

In the meantime, I'll continue wearing my mask, accepting the local decisions here at home as to what I can do and what I can't and I will continue to practice social distancing. And at the same time I will hope that my island friends are able to survive financially through this frightening time. And I seriously hope and pray we all stay healthy and get through this pandemic safely.

What exactly is that supposed to mean?

Do you see a situation where Sint Maarten allows Americans and the EU still not allowing Americans? This would force Saint Martin to either close their border or setup border checkpoints to check for passports. I just don't see the that happening.

OK, not addressed to anyone in particular, but as our 'voice of reason' has stated, everyone needs to take a deep breath and chill. I am closing this thread and will open another one, in which CIVIL comments will reign..