It is too early to speak of a trend, but St. Maarten’s COVID-19 figures appear to be improving, with active cases dropping from in the nineties last week to the seventies. This was the result of several days with more recoveries than new infections.
That is no reason whatsoever to let one’s guard down, especially going into the holiday season. Recent experience with Halloween showed how easily parties and other crowded events can help spread the virus, while it is not even a local custom.
There has understandably been much concern in the US over the traditional Thanksgiving gatherings and near the end of each year is when relatives and friends tend to come together on the island. The reality is that persons had best refrain from such outside of their own household unless consistently wearing a face-mask when appropriate and frequent hand sanitation.
By the way, insisting on this is neither rude nor insensitive. To the contrary, those who do are protecting not only themselves but others along with their families.
Nobody probably wants to cancel Christmas, but it needs to be celebrated in a smart, more careful way than usual. For example, when removing mouth coverings to eat or drink, make sure to maintain social distance.
If everyone follows these simple, by now well-known rules, and uses common sense, it should be possible to enjoy the upcoming festivities in a controlled and reasonably safe manner.
