The Public Entity of Sint Eustatius has announced Thursday evening that it will scrap the curfew as of midnight tonight. and will also ease other measures that were taken 3 weeks ago to further prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease COVID-19.
In the press release, the Public Entity revealed that “the reason to relax the measures is that the situation related to COVID-19 is at the moment under control.”
Sint Eustatius has recorded a total of 13 positive COVID-19 cases with 9 currently remain active. All 9 persons are all in isolation while some pending test results were reported negative on Thursday.
The Public Health Department said that it sees no reason to extend the curfew as the situation on the island is contained.
The press release further states that, “Bars, restaurants and casinos can reopen their doors however a maximum of 15 people is allowed to be inside.” Other businesses such as nail salons, barbershops and hair salons are also allowed to reopen. However, schools, day care centers and out of school organizations will remain closed until after the October school break the public health department said.
Social gatherings are allowed with no more than 15 persons. Essential businesses such as supermarkets, pharmacy, hospital, airport, the harbor, GTI, construction sites etc. are allowed to be open with the usual opening hours.
The new Emergency Ordinance to relax the restrictions will immediately take effect on Friday, October 2nd.
The press release further states that “with the easing of measures, the Public Entity of St. Euststius creates a balance between public health, social life and the continuation of economic life. Social distancing of 1.5 meter should however be strictly adhered to, hygienic measures are still very important and the Public Entity strongly advises each and every one to wear a face-mask at least in public space and when in close contact with people outside your household.”
Marnix van Rij, Government Commissioner of Sint Eustatius said that, “the situation is under control, Statian residents are asked not to let their guard down. COVID is still present in the world and will be for some time. We each have an individual as well as a collective responsibility to do our part in the fight against COVID.”
Also, the Government’s request for immediate medical assistance from the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sports in the Netherlands was granted. The Queen Beatrice Medical Centre now has sufficient general practitioners, doctors, nurses and lab technicians which most of them will be able to work soon.
Sint Eustatius, with a population of about 3,100, has tested a total of 406 samples for the virus since the start of the pandemic on the island. Four persons (31%) of the positive cases have recovered and zero deaths recorded.
