The Acting Premier and I would like to update you on the current Covid-19 situation as discussed at the Executive Council last week and today.
As of today, 28 June, Anguilla has recorded a total of 109 confirmed cases with 109 recoveries and 0 active cases. The last active case was recorded on 10 May. There are 462 persons currently in quarantine.
The Ministry has received indication that the World Health Organisation will re-classify Anguilla’s current transmission status from ‘clusters of cases’ to ‘no cases’ in the epidemiological update ending 21 June. In recognition of this position, Anguilla has been moved to Level one on the Centre for Disease Control’s list and from tomorrow will be added to the UK travel green list.
This is encouraging news and a reflection of the committed efforts of our health team in managing the pandemic, as well as the collective efforts of the public service and the community in supporting one another and the public health response. Anguilla has been a world leader in its response to managing the pandemic and should feel proud in all that has been achieved.
Thursday 1 July will see the reopening of our borders to visitors who will be required to be fully vaccinated before entry, but who once here will not need to quarantine.
But as we take these steps back to normality, the reality remains that the Covid-19 virus will be an ongoing threat and Anguilla could be still be vulnerable to an outbreak of positive cases. Herd immunity has not yet been achieved and our neighbouring islands are experiencing increasing case numbers. In order to manage the risks and to protect the public:
– All visitors in quarantine before 1 July, will need to be tested out of quarantine;
– All visitors, 18 years and older, to Anguilla are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with a UK MHRA approved vaccine at least three weeks before arrival. The only exemption will be for pregnant women;
– All persons, including children will be required to produce a negative COVID-19 test 3-5 days before entry; undertake on arrival testing and may be subject to further testing;
– For multi-generational families comprised of fully vaccinated persons and unvaccinated children under the age of 18 years and/or pregnant woman; the unvaccinated persons in these groups will additionally be required to undergo a subsequent RT-PCR test on Day 4. Persons in these groups will not be under quarantine from arrival to Day 4 testing. This includes unaccompanied children coming from and staying in fully vaccinated households;
– Unvaccinated returning residents will be required to quarantine for 10 days in approved accommodation. This includes unaccompanied minors coming from and/or staying in unvaccinated households;
– Vaccination will be a requirement for the renewal and issue of new work permits; and for anyone representing Anguilla overseas at a national level; and
– Proof of vaccination will also be required for entry into festivals within Anguilla;
– Mask wearing will be mandatory where you cannot be socially distanced indoors until at least 30 July.
Vaccinations
Whilst the measures above seek to manage the risk, vaccination is the most effective measure to protecting individual health and the health of the nation. Proof of vaccination is also increasingly becoming a requirement for visitor entry across a number of countries.
We are pleased that most residents of Anguilla have made the considered choice to protect themselves, their loved ones and the community in being vaccinated. When we launched the #VAXAXA challenge on 11 May, we said that everyone who has been vaccinated, from when the vaccines first arrived at the beginning of February will be entered in to grand prize draw to win a 3-night stay in the Four Season Nevis. I am delighted to announce Pastor Paula C Gumbs as the winner of this prize. Further prizes will be made available and drawn once we reach 9,000 people fully vaccinated.
Whilst 9,276 people have taken their first dose of the vaccine, only 6,801 have taken their second dose, and we are yet to achieve herd immunity.
To protect our nation, it is vitally important that you become fully vaccinated by taking your second dose before the vaccines we have on island expire on 31 July.
For those of you yet to take your first dose vaccine, 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 Ronald Webster Park drive-thru to get your first dose. It’s not too late. No appointments are necessary – just turn up with a form of photo ID. Once fully vaccinated you will receive a Covid-19 vaccination ID card complete with a QR code that can be scanned by international authorities to verify your vaccine status. Don’t regret waiting, go tomorrow to get vaccinated.
Thank you, may God bless you and may God continue to bless Anguilla.
– Press Release
