This time two years ago, Executive Council made the unprecedented decision to put Anguilla into lockdown. This was a brave and difficult decision but in spite of the likely economic cost, the health of Anguilla had to come first – above all, we needed to save life.
Over the last two years, the strength of the community response has endured. The immense work of the health team supported by the special constables, the portal team and the drafting efforts of the Attorney General’s Chambers, kept us safe. Globally, health experts in epidemiology came together to share research and shape the global health response.
Ensuring Anguilla receives the necessary support to manage the COVID-19 pandemic has remained a priority for Executive Council. In addition to financial aid, testing material, and PPE, securing the COVID-19 vaccine was a significant step forward. Scientific data and our own experience on island have shown that those who remain most at risk of the severity of COVID-19 are the unvaccinated. Rollout of the vaccine across the community is our most effective protection.
We have been making steady progress and informed by improving health indicators including reduced COVID-19 infection rates, increased levels of immunity through the vaccine and declining hospitalisations. Today, the Premier and I are pleased to confirm that Executive Council has approved the relaxation of our COVID-19 health protocols.
As a community, we now need to learn to live with COVID-19 for the long term. Executive Council recognised that this requires a more balanced response. The new measures are in keeping with government’s plan to exit from the COVID-19 restrictions in a responsible and sustainable manner.
From 01 April 2022, the wearing of masks and social distancing requirements will be a choice, not a mandate. We encourage individuals, employers and organisations to do their own risk assessment in maintaining health protocols and to continue to wear masks and social distance if you consider yourself vulnerable.
We remind you all that handwashing and the maintenance of good respiratory health remain the best way to protect yourself and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Today the Ministry of Health has published the new travel protocols that will go into effect this Friday 01 April 2022. In summary, Anguilla will remain a vaccination only destination for visitors. Fully vaccinated visitors and residents will no longer need to apply for permission to enter the island via the entry portal but, before boarding and on arrival, will need to present evidence of full vaccination status and a valid negative COVID-19 test result.
Arrival testing will be discontinued for visitors and residents who have been fully vaccinated within the last six months and for persons who have taken a booster dose more than fourteen days prior to arrival.
Unvaccinated returning residents will be required to apply on the entry portal, test on
arrival, quarantine for five (5) days, and receive a negative test to exit quarantine. An entry fee of US$100 per person will be payable.
Unvaccinated returning residents under five (5) years old, who are accompanied by fully vaccinated travellers, will not be required to quarantine, but a Day Four (4) test will be administered.
The relaxation of protocols does not mean we are immune to COVID-19. Vaccination remains the most effective form of protection. Vaccination and booster dose are still available and increasingly are a requirement for travel. We urge you to take proactive steps to protect your own health and that of your family members by getting vaccinated before it is too late.
Thank you – we recognise, over the last two years, that there has been significant sacrifice and hardship but we have responded as a community and will continue to strive forward as a community.
May God bless you and may God continue to bless Anguilla.
– Press Release
