COVID-19 has now risen to 129 confirmed

PHILIPSBURG— As of August 12th, at 16:00, St. Maarten has confirmed twenty-nine new cases of persons who have tested positive for the Corona Virus (COVID-19). The new total of confirmed cases now stand at 248.

Of the active cases, the Collective Prevention Services (CPS) are monitoring 123 people in home isolation. The Minister of Public Health Social Development and Labour (VSA) the honorable Richard Panneflek stated  “we now have one hundred and twenty-nine (129) active cases of persons who have contracted COVID-19.” Five patients are currently hospitalized and one patient is isolated and being monitored. The total number of deaths due to COVID-19 remains at 17.

The number of people recovered since the first case surfaced on St. Maarten is 102. Two hundred and sixty (260) people are now in quarantine based on contact tracing investigations carried out by CPS of persons who may have been in contact with any of the active cases.

In a continued effort to control the spread of the virus, CPS has tested 482 travelers arriving at the Princess Juliana International Airport, (PJIA) and 1055 people throughout the community. As the numbers of positive cases continue to increase, CPS will continue to actively execute its contact tracing measures.

If you have been exposed to someone with the virus or experiencing flu-like symptoms, please remain at home and contact your family doctor immediately. For any questions or concerns, call CPS at emergency number 914.

As positive cases continue to increase, Minister Panneflek urges all to avoid mass gatherings, continue to wear your masks, practice social distancing, sanitize your hands as frequently as possible, and wash your hands with soap. For your safety, the safety of your loved ones, and the safety of our community, continue to follow the mandatory guidelines implemented.