PHILIPSBURG:--- The Minister of TEATT Ludmilla de Weever confirmed on Wednesday at the Council of Ministers press briefing that her government is working on simplifying the guidelines for visitors, one such guideline is extending the timeline for the PCR testing from 3 to 5 days. One of the concerns and causes of cancellations by airlines is the fact that flights are canceled 24 hours before departure. De Weever said this also is hindering the travelers. Minister De Weever said she has been working closely with the Minister of Health Richard Panneflek and the medical advisors on how to move forward.
De Weever said some of the plans St. Maarten has are to implement secondary testing at the Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIAE) and have a second test conducted on the 8th day after the arrival of each passenger.
The Minister of TEATT said that one of the goals is to have the new guidelines in place at least for a period of two weeks in order to give the passengers and airlines enough time to prepare themselves.
De Weever also explained that the airlines have already indicated an increase in the number of flights that will be coming to St. Maarten. One such airline she said is Air France.
While the Minister of TEATT said the government is working tirelessly to simplifying the restrictions for travelers she said they also have to work closely with the French side of the island to ensure there is a match with the traveler's restrictions.
The Minister said her government is also working to having the island prepared for the high season. De Weever said just recently she visited the boardwalk and also the Simpson Bay market-place. She said that some work must be done at both locations which are also being worked upon.
