Deputy Prime Minister Egbert Doran National Briefing Statements on Commercial Business Closures

PHILIPSBURG -- The following statements are taken from the Deputy Prime Minister's special national briefing on Saturday, August 15, 2020, as part of the process to keep the community of St. Maarten informed about the latest developments in regards to commercial business closures as a precautionary measure to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 throughout the communities on the island.

Good day to the people of St. Maarten, I hereby address you as Deputy Prime Minister in a special national briefing for today, Saturday, August 15, 2020, as part of the process to keep the community of St. Maarten informed about the latest developments in regards to commercial business closures as a precautionary measure to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 throughout our community. 

Firstly, I would like to wish all those that are infected a speedy recovery, please continue to take care of yourselves and your immune systems. To the families and friends who've lost their loved ones due to the battle of COVID-19, you remain in my thoughts and prayers.

As of yesterday, August 14th, 2020, the number of active cases stood at 150. To further protect the residents of St. Maarten, adjusted business hours have been implemented, all in the efforts of minimizing social gatherings. At this point, the island is not yet in a “state of emergency” however, we are urging the population of St. Maarten to adhere to the conditions mentioned in today’s public announcement. The protection and security of the people of St. Maarten remain our top priority.

Therefore, the new measures implemented are extremely important. I would also like to mention to the public if cases continue to increase, more stringent measures will have to be considered and taken. 

If we continue our approach of restricting socio-economic activities, our jobs and daily lives will no longer be sustainable. In order to protect ourselves and our loved ones, we urge the people of St. Maarten to continue adhering to the COVID-19 safety protocols, including practicing social distancing of 2 meters, not participating in social gatherings, hand-washing or sanitizing, and wearing of face masks.

People of St. Maarten, I am strongly encouraging you again, please maintain social distancing. Everything depends on the actions of each and every one of us. Let’s continue to adapt our way of thinking and moving. This can only happen if we commit to exercising patience and adhering to the conditions implemented to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

I am convinced that if such ways of carrying out our new lifestyle continue, we will be able to minimize the spread of the COVID-19 virus and see a rapid decrease in the active cases here on St. Maarten. As we adapt our measures I want you to know. We are all in this together.

As I conclude my address, I would like to remind the people of St. Maarten to minimize non-essential and non-urgent movement. As long as we adhere to the regulations and safety protocols we will be able to flatten the curve. I ask for everyone’s cooperation amidst these challenging times. I also look forward to the cooperation of the business community in these times as well.

We are a resilient country and resilient people. Stay safe and healthy St. Maarten. God bless the people of St. Maarten.