The COVID-19 pandemic in Saba is part of the ongoing global viral pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019, which was confirmed to have reached the Dutch Caribbean island of Saba on April 12, 2020. The island has a population of 1,905 people. As of 12 May, all cases were reported to have recovered. On 1 August, two new cases were imported.
On 19 March, Saba takes precautionary measures by closing the harbor, airport, and schools. Governor Johnson took the measures because of the vulnerable position of the island and the limited medical care. The Saba University School of Medicine ceased classroom activities and switched to online lectures. Some students returned to home, but others remained on the island.
April 2020
On 7 April, three people are self quarantined and 18 tests had been performed which were all negative. On 12 April, the first case was confirmed. The patient has mild symptoms. The origin is unknown, because the patient hasn't traveled and therefore must have been infected locally. One of the people she had been in contact has pneumonia. Governor Jonathan Johnson has ordered a lockdown. On 13 April, there are now two cases who have tested positive. 22 people had been tested of which 18 were negative and two are still pending. 70 people are under quarantine. On 17 April, it was announced that a curfew is in effect between 19:00 and 06:00. 44 people have been tested thus far and 17 tests are still pending. On 22 April, a semi-permanent field hospital has arrived in Sint Eustatius, and will be used for COVID-19 patients in Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba. The field hospital consists of six ICU beds and is expected be operational on 15 May. As of 23 April, 73 people have been tested, however 41 tests are still pending. 63 people have been quarantined. On 25 April, it was announced that in order to alleviate the economic hardship, the fixed tariff for electricity and water will be set to zero, and the price of internet will be set at $25.- from 1 May until the end of the year. The island will also receive €150,000 of food aid.
May 2020
On 6 May, there will be a repatriation flight to the Netherlands in Sint Maarten. Saba cannot guarantee flights this month, and urges all stranded from the Netherlands or Europe to use this flight. The first recovery was announced. On 8 May, Governor Jonathan Johnson, announced that from 9 May midnight onward, the stay at home measure will be lifted. Social distancing and prohibition of gatherings will remain. Churches and restaurant may reopen while adhering to hygiene measures. All services and business will reopen from Monday 11 May. The schools will reopen on 18 May. On 12 May, all cases recovered. Unrelatedly, Governor Jonathan Johnson was reappointed for his third term. To give recognition to the nurses and everybody involved, the church bells rang on noon. On 22 May, Governor Jonathan Johnson reported that the person whom had been in contact with the first diagnosed case in 12 April, and who had pneumonia, did have COVID-19. She posted negative on the tests, but the results for her blood test show that she had been infected. The number of cases has therefore been increased to three, and everybody is still cured.
August 2020
On 1 August, two new cases were imported. The persons went into quarantine upon arrival.
