King discusses corona pandemic with governors of Aruba, Curaçao and St Maarten

On Thursday 23 April 2020 His Majesty the King spoke with the governors of the three countries in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. In three separate telephone conversations, Governor Boekhoudt of Aruba, Governor George-Wout of Curaçao and Governor Holiday of St Maarten informed the King of the impact the coronavirus (COVID-19) is having on their countries, and the implications of measures taken to prevent its spread.

King Willem-Alexander expressed his support for the governors and their island communities. He also expressed his and Queen Máxima’s admiration for healthcare workers and others who are working round the clock to manage the crisis. The outbreak of the virus has had a serious medical, social and economic impact on Aruba, Curaçao and St Maarten.

On Friday 3 April, as part of his working visit to the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport, the King took part in the daily video conference between the ministry’s crisis team and its counterparts on Bonaire and St Eustatius. The King expressed his support for Bonaire, St Eustatius and Saba and his appreciation for the work being done there.

By means of telephone calls and, where possible, working visits, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima are keeping abreast of developments in the impact of the outbreak, expressing their appreciation and support for the commitment of so many to combating this pandemic.