COVID-19 has decreased to 198 confirmed

PHILIPSBURG — As of August 19th, St. Maarten has confirmed fifteen new cases (15) of persons who have tested positive for the Corona Virus (COVID-19). However, there was a recovery of 26 persons; reducing the total active cases to 198. The new total of confirmed cases now stands at 348.

Of the active cases, the Collective Prevention Services (CPS) are monitoring 183 people in home isolation. Twelve patients are currently hospitalized (12) and three patients are isolated (3) 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 has increased to 133. Four hundred and ninety (490) 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 618 travelers arriving at the Princess Juliana International Airport, (PJIA) and 1365 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.

Minister Panneflek reminds all to continue and do your part by wearing your masks, practicing 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.

May GOD bless us all.