Press Statement Hon. Premier/Minister of Health
The Ministry of Health would like to inform the public of the current epidemiological situation of COVID-19 on Anguilla, and some interim public health measures being put in place.
As of 12 August 2021, Anguilla has confirmed a total of 127 cases COVID-19 since the pandemic began. There are currently ten active cases on island. Four of these cases are being investigated locally, while the other six cases are either visitors or returning residents with recent travel to Anguilla. All cases are in isolation, and contacts have been placed in quarantine. Two previous recent cases have recovered and have left the island.
Additional new measures
In light of the epidemiological situation in Anguilla, and of the increased prevalence of the highly transmissible Delta variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus regionally and globally, yesterday 11 August 2021, Executive Council approved the following recommendations made by the Ministry of Health:
• all returning vaccinated residents will be subject to a quarantine period of four (4)
days; and
• all returning resident unvaccinated minors will be quarantine for a period of ten (10) days regardless of the vaccination status of parents and guardians. This is in keeping with current evidence that younger persons are now being impacted by the Delta variant, which is much more infectious than other strains.
Both of these increased measures will commence on Monday 16 August 2021.
Today Executive Council also agreed the suspension of visits to elder care homes and Her Majesty’s Prison as well as restricted hours of visitation for the Princess Alexandra Hospital for the next two weeks in the first instance with immediate effect.
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.
In light of these recent developments, while these cases are under investigation, the
Ministry advises the following:
• persons experiencing symptoms compatible with COVID-19 such as flu-like symptoms, cough, fever, sore throat, muscle aches, loss of taste or smell… should isolate and call the Ministry’s hotlines 476-7627, that is 476 SOAP or 584-4263, that is 584-HAND
• 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
• persons in intergenerational households and households with unvaccinated persons should consider mask wearing inside the homes in addition to hygienic precautions.
Importation of COVID-19 Test
In addition to collecting local health information for national policy-making and disease control, ministries of health are responsible for reporting surveillance information on reportable infectious diseases to international agencies such as WHO/PAHO and Public Health England. This information must be gathered in a timely and comprehensive manner in order to protect the health of the public.
COVID-19 testing is one of the main strategies employed by the Government of Anguilla in order to identify sick persons early, so that they can be isolated and be treated as necessary. This lessens the likelihood of the spread of the disease on the island.
In light of the importance of testing and tracing of contacts of infected persons, as well as to ensure that all test results are entered into the national data base for international reporting and decision-making purposes, individuals and unapproved institutions are prohibited from importing COVID-19 tests of any type. This includes, but not limited to,
RT-PCR, Antigen, Antibody, rapid and saliva tests of any kind, as well as self- administered kits available commercially or approved for research purposes. Regulations are in place that authorize the Ministry of Health to confiscate COVID-19 tests that are imported by individuals and unapproved institutions either for personal use or for sale.
Persons that contravene the regulations are liable upon summary conviction for a fine of
$15,000.00 for importation of COVID-19 tests either for personal use or for commercial sale. Additionally, unapproved persons are liable upon summary conviction for a fine of
$50,000.00 and a fine of six (6) months if they offer COVID-19 tests for sale to the public.
For purposes of clarity, only two institutions on island are approved to conduct COVID-19 testing: The Ministry of Health/Health Authority of Anguilla and the Hughes Medical Centre.
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 clean surfaces and objects that are frequently touched or handled.
The public will be provided with further updates as necessary.
