St. Maarten moving to endemic phase
The Caribbean island of St. Maarten recently outlined a phased transition to move from pandemic protocols to an endemic strategy.
“This is not to be confused with complacency about the situation. As we take steps towards normalcy, we will do so in a safe and responsible manner. With case numbers remaining low, our protocols have made St. Maarten one of the safest places to visit today,” said Omar Ottley, Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor.
“Declaring Covid-19 an endemic on our island is pivotal, and we will work for months to come to pioneer policies that prioritize everyone’s health and simultaneously allow for easy yet safe travel to and within St. Maarten.”
The first step of the transition strategy has started with all nightlife business hours extended to 3 am.
This will be followed by a change in the entry requirements beginning March 1, with all travelers who are fully vaccinated, as well as those who have recovered no longer required to show proof of a negative test upon arrival.
Unvaccinated individuals, however, must still provide a negative PCR test taken 48 hours prior to arrival or an antigen test taken 24 hours prior to arrival.
All travelers, regardless of vaccination status, must fill out a health pre-authorization form up to 72 hours before arrival.
“We remain as united as ever in our efforts to further reposition St. Maarten as a leading destination and to restore our tourism prestige by adapting our processes to meet consumers’ expectations,” said Roger Lawrence, Minister of Tourism.
According to the St. Maarten Tourism Bureau, the number of airport arrivals is on the up.
In January 2022, the destination welcomed nearly 30,000 visitors, a 39% increase compared to January 2019.
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