Justice Minister Anna Richardson.
PHILIPSBURG--Justice Minister Anna Richardson and members of her cabinet, who are currently quarantining at home after one of their colleagues tested positive for the coronavirus COVID-19, do not have any COVID-19 symptoms.
An article published in today’s The Daily Herald and posted online, mistakenly stated that the minister and other staff members had symptoms. “At this present moment, Minister Richardson nor any of the other staff members have symptoms of the COVID-19 virus. Minister Richardson stated d that she will rest and remain hydrated by drinking lots of fluids such as herbal tea and water along with intake of vitamin C. She plans to expose herself to healthy portions of sunlight and continue to stay positive in faith,” according to a press release on Tuesday.
The one staff member who had tested positive, informed the minister on Monday, September 21, that the Health Ministry’s Collective Prevention Services (CPS) had notified them that they had tested positive for COVID-19. Thursday, September 17, was the last day the staff member had been on the job.
“Considering the close contact between the staff member, Minister Richardson and the cabinet staff were contacted by CPS on Monday, September 21, 2020, and advised to quarantine immediately, which they did. As such, the offices of the Cabinet of Justice are being cleaned and sanitized,” it was stated in the release.
“Notice of the positive case was given to the Council of Ministers, the Secretariat and persons who have been in close contact with Minister Richardson and her cabinet staff within the past four days to advise them of this development.”
Richardson said although she and members of her cabinet and in quarantine, they are working from home and “will continue to execute our duties within the health perimeters as prescribed by CPS.”
“I am bidding everyone to stay healthy and continue to take the necessary precautions to remain safe. All persons still working in the government administration building are reminded to uphold mask-wearing protocols while less than two meters away from others and hand sanitise regularly. Know that this is a situation that is affecting the entire world and not just St. Maarten, as such we will pull through this. The staffer and her family remain in our prayers and she is wished a speedy recovery,” Richardson added. The Daily Herald apologises for the error.
