COVID-19 active cases has decreased to 259

PHILIPSBURG — As of August 31st, St. Maarten has confirmed thirteen new cases of persons who have tested positive for the Corona Virus (COVID-19), however there was a recovery of 21 persons; reducing the total active cases to 259. The new total of confirmed cases now stand at 476. Of the active cases, the Collective Prevention Services (CPS) are monitoring 254 people in home isolation. Five patients are currently hospitalized (5) and 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 has increased to 200. Two hundred and eighty-six (286) 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. To further control the spread of the virus, CPS has tested 762 travelers arriving at the Princess Juliana International Airport, (PJIA) and 1591 people throughout the community. As the numbers of positive cases continue to increase, CPS will continue to actively execute its contact tracing measures. We would hereby like to make it clear that the figures will change as we receive lab confirmation from SLS/HCLS, this is due to lab results pending. For the safety of yourself, your loved ones and the community, please remain at home and contact your family doctor immediately if you have been exposed to someone with the virus or experiencing flu-like symptoms. With the increase in positive cases, Minister Panneflek reminds all to do your part and wear your masks, practice social distancing, avoid greeting by hugging and kissing, sanitize your hands as frequently as possible, wash your hands with soap, and refrain from mass gatherings. ### Related article: Coronavirus data to be available on the Government Website COVID-19 Page COVID-19 Updates for 30 August 2020: