Movement allowed on Thursday and Friday only

POND ISLAND -- After 10 days of strictly limited movement, residents of St. Maarten (Dutch side) are allowed to move on the public roads on Thursday, April 16, and Friday, April 17, 2020, to replenish essential needs such as food.

The movement for non-essential workers (t.i. the general population) is allowed on both days only from 7:30am to 8:00pm. The start time of 7:30am and the end time of 8:00pm are set to allow residents to get to the businesses that are allowed to open as of 8:00am and to get home after supermarkets/grocery stores close at 6:00pm.

Supermarkets/grocery stores, bakeries, banks, pharmacies and gas stations are allowed to be opened to the public on Thursday and Friday only.

Funeral services may be conducted. Funeral home services may take place with the understanding that no more than 20 people are allowed to participate. Only way more people will be allowed is if the seating capacity of the location can accommodate the social distancing regulations.

Residents are reminded that they are ONLY allowed on the public roads on Thursday and Friday. The lockdown resumes in its full measure as of 8pm Friday.

Deliveries of food and essential goods will continue on Thursday and Friday. Therefore, people who do not have an urgent need to be on the road should stay home and opt for delivery services.

As of next week, it may become possible for all residents to shop and access other essential services on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. More info to be made public in the coming days.

The continuation of the lockdown as of April 19 with more adjusted measures will be announced in the coming days.