News reports indicate that the COVID-19 virus remains a health threat – globally – and yet the level of concern and alarm regarding the trending increase in the number of cases currently reported in Anguilla seems to be low.
Speaking at the government press briefing on Monday, May 16, Premier and Minister of Health, Dr Ellis Webster noted that the health team was not present “since we are downgrading the health reporting.”
However, Dr Webster did report that there were 65 active cases of COVID on the island, an increase of 7 since the previous week’s report.
“Certainly, I can inform you that, in terms of COVID, we have 65 active cases currently, and the vaccine [programme] continues to move along,” he stated.
The uptick in cases in the US might be a contributing factor in the increase in reported cases on Anguilla, since the US is one of our largest tourism source-markets.
The more contagious omicron subvariant BA.2 makes up 68.1% of new cases in the U.S., according to the latest estimates from the CDC.
Dr Webster encouraged all eligible persons to take advantage of the availability of COVID vaccines on the island, including the 400 paediatric doses.
PAHO briefings also reported increases in COVID cases throughout the Americas – to include the Caribbean, North America and Central America, which continue to report increases in active cases – for the past three to five weeks:
“COVID-19 cases and hospitalisations are rising in far too many places, which should prompt us to strengthen our measures to combat the virus, including surveillance and preparedness.
“It is crucial to keep our eyes on the virus by monitoring its evolution and maintaining adequate testing capacity.
Good data on what is happening can help each country plan preventive measures, communicate effectively with the public, adjust preventive measures, and reinforce hospital capacity if needed.
Vaccines, however, remain our best resource to save lives, especially when cases rise.”
“We must grasp this chance to strengthen our health systems and health workforce across the Americas, to ensure that we are not only protected from this virus, but can all live happier, healthier lives,” PAHO advised.
Residents on Anguilla should remain acutely aware of their own personal responsibility in reducing their risk of exposure to the virus, and its transmission to family members and others in the Anguillian community.
