That St. Maarten is entering an endemic phase of COVID-19 (see related story) confirms its exit strategy from the unprecedented pandemic is well underway. The “return to normalcy” announced by Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor VSA Omar Ottley means – among other things – that nightlife establishments effective Friday may stay open until 3:00am rather than 1:00am.
The latter is a much-needed boost to the businesses involved and their workers, as well as for what the island known as a “fun destination” can offer both residents and guests in terms of evening entertainment. Nevertheless, this should not lead to throwing all caution to the wind and stop taking related precautions.
Persons are still getting sick, ending up in hospital and even dying locally due to COVID-19, with the last known fatality announced just Saturday. There is a clear need to keep protecting oneself and especially vulnerable groups, including the elderly.
From March 1 incoming travellers who received a booster shot or two injections of recognised vaccines at least two weeks before will no longer require a negative test result and the same goes for those who have proof of recovery no more than nine months ago. This is good news to the dominant hospitality industry, but hardly a reason for people to drop their collective guard.
Quite the contrary, more freedom of movement usually translates to a bigger risk of spreading the disease, which is why the transition is being done in a gradual manner. In other words, this is certainly no time to overdo it.
