PHILIPSBURG:--- As of August 26th, St. Maarten has confirmed twenty-four new cases of persons who have tested positive for the Corona Virus (COVID-19), however, there was a recovery of 31 persons; reducing the total active cases to 246. The new total of confirmed cases now stands at 442.
Of the active cases, the Collective Prevention Services (CPS) are monitoring 237 people in home isolation. Eight 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 has increased to 179. Three hundred and seventy (370) 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 712 travelers arriving at the Princess Juliana International Airport, (PJIA) and 1551 people throughout the community. As the numbers of positive cases continue to increase, CPS will continue to actively execute its contact tracing measures.
Contact tracing is an effective disease control strategy that involves identifying cases and their contacts to interrupt disease transmission.
This includes asking cases to isolate and contacts to quarantine at home voluntarily. Contact tracing is a key strategy to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.
When looking at the age distribution for this second wave, an overwhelming majority of the cases are occurring in the 20-60-year-olds. This is reflected across the various clusters we are seeing, which now includes workplaces. This is in addition to the venues highlighted earlier in July, which included night clubs, bars, and lounges.
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 urges all to protect yourself, your loved ones, and our community 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.
