The following is an update since the press release of August 23rd. An additional 20 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed. They are as follows:
? 13 identified through contact tracing consisting of eight fully vaccinated adults, two unvaccinated adults and three unvaccinated minors:
o This includes eight household contacts, three social contacts, a workplace contact and a contact from a mass gathering that occurred on the weekend. The workplace contact has tested negative on follow up testing and is considered recovered.
? Four returning residents:
o a fully vaccinated adult male and a fully vaccinated female who returned from Curacao – they had tested negative upon arrival but subsequently developed symptoms compatible with COVID-19 and underwent additional testing
o an unvaccinated symptomatic male minor who returned from Jamaica and tested positive upon arrival
o an asymptomatic fully vaccinated adult male who tested positive on his Day 4 test at the end of the quarantine period
? Three residents with no history of travel:
o An asymptomatic fully vaccinated female, who was detected via screening for admission to the hospital for an unrelated condition – she tested negative on follow up testing and is considered recovered.
o Two males – one vaccinated and one unvaccinated – who were tested due to symptoms compatible with COVID-19
All persons are under isolation and contact tracing and investigations are ongoing including into the sources of recent cases.
The total number of confirmed cases since the beginning of the pandemic in early 2020 is 194 with 45 active cases on island at this time.
The prevention of local transmission of COVID-19 in Anguilla is the priority of the Ministry of Health. Therefore, early identification, isolation and treatment are the foundations of preventing widespread transmission of the virus:
? It is therefore critical that persons who have been placed under quarantine or isolation remain separated from other individuals at all times until they are cleared to resume normal activities by the Quarantine Authority. Additionally, in most instances it will be necessary for individuals to undergo a second test before they are cleared. The Ministry of Health asks that persons appreciate the importance of the testing protocols, and follow the instructions of the members of the health team. This is critical to breaking transmission of the virus.
? It is also of paramount importance for any persons experiencing symptoms compatible with COVID-19 such as flu-like symptoms, cough, fever, sore throat, muscle aches, loss of taste or smell… to isolate immediately and call the Ministry’s hotlines 476-7627, that is 476 SOAP or 584-4263, that is 584-HAND. Out of an abundance of caution, persons experiencing these symptoms should not report to work until cleared to do so by the Ministry of Health.
? Any persons who believe they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should also call the Ministry’s hotlines 476-7627, that is 476 SOAP or 584-4263, that is 584-HAND.
? Furthermore, the wearing of masks in indoor public spaces is currently mandated in public health regulations with a penalty for breaches. Additionally, persons in intergenerational households and households with unvaccinated persons should consider mask wearing inside the homes in addition to hygienic precautions.
The Ministry of Health reminds the public to continue practicing hygienic measures to protect against COVID-19. These include
? Frequent Handwashing – If water is unavailable, utilize an alcohol-based hand rub.
? Covering coughs or sneezes with a disposable tissue or in the crook of a flexed elbow.
? Avoiding contact with persons who are ill with symptoms of acute respiratory infections such as fever or cough.
? Regularly cleaning surfaces and objects that are frequently touched or handled.
Questions or concerns can be directed to the Ministry’s hotlines at 476-7627, that is 476 SOAP or 584-4263, that is 584-HAND. The Ministry of Health will continue to provide timely updates through our media partners, our official Facebook page or at www.beatcovid19.ai.
– Press Release
August 25, 2021
