St Martin: Authorities postpone flight operations to and from the US until August 1 /update 1

Event

St Martin authorities announced on Wednesday, July 8, that flight operations to and from the US have been postponed until at least August 1, due to a recent spike in the number of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases. The full resumption of flight operations at Princess Juliana Airport (SXM) was scheduled to take place on July 1. This is the second postponement of flight operations to the US.

Strict measures remain in place for other travelers attempting to enter St Martin, including proof of a negative COVID-19 test, taken no longer than 72 hours prior to arrival, in addition to thermal temperature checks and the mandatory wearing of face masks in airports and public areas on the island.

As of July 8, health authorities have confirmed 43 COVID-19 cases with three associated deaths in the country. Further spread of the virus is expected in the near term.  

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and labored breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the general risk of transmission, travelers are advised to abide the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by using alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing cover mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue - throw tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.