THE BOTTOM – An individual on Saba has tested positive for the coronavirus. The patient has mild symptoms. The individual has not travelled during the last few weeks and thus contracted the virus on the island.
According to medical experts on the special municipality this means that more cases could follow. All the individuals who were in contact with the patient have to go into mandatory quarantine. They are also being tested. Saba has a population of 1.915 inhabitants.
Governor Jonathan Johnson speaks about the situation during a press conference
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Two other Sabans have already been tested, the results aren’t back yet. One of two has been transferred to the hospital on Sint Maarten where the individual is being treated for pneumonia.
There are a total of four corona patients in the hospital on Sint Maarten: one confirmed case and three suspected cases of COVID-19.
Further measures
Governor Jonathan Johnson announced that Saba would go into lockdown for two weeks on Saturday evening. ‘It’s impractical, but we are taking these measures to prevent further spread of the virus.’ On Sunday afternoon inhabitants of the small island will be notified as to how essential services will carry on.
Saba had taken several measures back in March to prevent the spread of the coronavirus on the island. The airport and port were closed down, as were schools and the hospitality industry.
