The Acting Premier and I would like to update you on the current Covid-19 situation.
You will have seen that the Chief Medical Officer has issued a press release today informing you that two visitors who arrived on 1 July have tested positive for Covid-19. We are not surprised by this. The measures we have in place were key to us being able to quickly identify and isolate the people which is testament to the careful management of the strict entry protocols by our professional health teams.
However, in light of these cases Executive Council has agreed additional measures which will further strengthen our entry protocols and enhance our ability to manage the risks of Covid-19 and protect you.
From today, Friday 2 July, the following additional measures will be in place for all those arriving, both returning residents and tourists:
• All people must use certified ground transportation to move from their port of arrival to their destination. Arrivals cannot rent vehicles or go in private vehicles until they receive negative results;
• On arriving at your destination, either a residential property, hotel, guest house or private rented villa, all people must stay in place at the property until they have been officially notified by the Ministry of Health that they have been tested out as negative. The laboratory staff are working tirelessly to minimise the time needed to process tests; and
• On arrival all fully vaccinated people will receive a yellow wrist band. All unvaccinated people including residents and minors, will receive a red wrist band. Wrist bands can only be removed at the direction of the Ministry of Health.
As we said in our last statement, we want to reassure you that your safety and security remains our upmost priority. We are confident that these measures, alongside the rigorous entry requirements already in place, allow us to manage and mitigate the risks.
But the stark reality remains that the Covid-19 virus will be an ongoing threat to Anguilla. Vaccination remains the most effective measure to protecting your individual health and the health of our nation. Just over 9,300 people have received the first dose vaccine and a further 7,300 people have received their second dose.
We have not yet reached herd immunity. It is therefore vitally important that you become fully vaccinated by taking your second dose before the vaccines we have on island expire on 31 July. If you are yet to take your first dose vaccine it’s not too late to do so. The UK Government has confirmed they will provide second dose vaccines for anyone who takes their first dose vaccine before 31 July
Please go to James Ronald Webster Park drive-thru to get vaccinated. No appointments are necessary – just turn up with a form of photo ID. Don’t regret waiting, go and get vaccinated.
Let us remind you of the simple steps that help save lives:
• wash your hands frequently;
• cover coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, or in the crook of a flexed elbow;
• frequently clean and disinfect shared spaces and work surfaces; and
• avoid contact with persons suffering from or exhibiting symptoms of acute respiratory infections such as the flu, coughs, and colds.
The number for the Ministry of Health hotline on COVID-19 is 1-264- 476- 7627 that is 476 SOAP, or
1-264- 584- 4263, that is 584-HAND.
The Ministry of Health will publish guidance and information at www.beatcovid19.ai
Thank you, may God bless you and may God continue to bless Anguilla.
