Local authorities are justifiably concerned about the current upswing in daily new COVID-19 cases, from a handful or less to 10 on Monday, 15 on Tuesday, 19 on Wednesday and 20 on Thursday. Collective Preventive Services (CPS) says this resembles the recent spike of infections involving the highly contagious British variant of COVID-19 in the so-called ABC (Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao) islands.
St. Maarten’s vaccination rate has not surpassed that of Curaçao at the time, so there is enough reason to be alarmed. Efforts to rapidly improve those numbers have thus become more urgent than ever.
Not only that, but the destination is looking forward to further restoring its hard-hit tourism economy next month with the start of cruise ship homeporting and addition of several flights. The last thing needed now is another lockdown or travel ban, while a massive outbreak and accompanying medical care crisis like that of Curaçao probably would have a discouraging effect on leisure visits.
To prevent such, it is crucial for people to get the free vaccine that has so far proven both effective and safe. Those who opt not to had better take precautions to protect themselves, their loved ones, and the entire community from serious health risks as well as even worse socioeconomic circumstances with all possible consequences.
