The decision to fly flags of government buildings at half-mast on the advice of VROMI Minister Egbert Doran (see related story) has merit. This is being done to mourn St. Maarten’s nine coronavirus-related victims and in solidarity with all those hurting due to the pandemic.
For a small country that’s a relatively high number of fatalities, although two also involved different issues than COVID-19. As Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs appropriately put it, each life lost is simply one too many.
Persons ought to remember this as restrictions on their movements are gradually relaxed so they can take care of pending matters including food shopping. The idea is to do so only when absolutely needed and stay within one’s area where possible.
If roads are immediately congested and grocery stores flooded, authorities might have to reconsider the plan to open them to the general public three days per week from now on. Not respecting social distancing and hygiene guidelines could have a similar result.
With four new cases, bringing the total to 57, this is most definitely not the time to start celebrating. An increase had, of course, been expected because of door-to-door visits and testing where required in the so-called “hot spots” starting Tuesday.
The good news is that 12 patients have recovered. Ultimately, it’s about stemming the spread of coronavirus so available medical resources are not overwhelmed with all consequences, including potentially preventable deaths.
People wanting to leave their homes while they really don’t have to do so should keep that in mind. The life you save by staying in might be your own, that of a loved one or a member of the local community.
