Collaboration with the Ministry of Health
The Ministry of Health and Social Development has confirmed Anguilla’s first active case of COVID-19 since April, as a 56-year-old male visitor from the United States, who arrived in Anguilla on Saturday, November 21st. As the number of cases continues to rise internationally, the risk continues for Anguilla to import cases. The Ministry and Department of Education will continue to work closely with the Ministry of Health to ensure we are kept abreast of all recent developments regarding the coronavirus and to ensure we maintain a healthy and safe environment for our teachers, support staff, students and stakeholders.
Alert Stage 1- Vigilance
There are 4 Alert Stages. Given that there is now a confirmed active case, Anguilla has moved to Alert Stage 1. Although it is safe to send your children to schools, early learning services and tertiary education institutions, there should now be a heightened emphasis on hygiene and social distancing measures in public places.
Face Coverings
Face coverings are not required at school, early learning services or on school transport at the current alert stage.
Any students or staff who wish to wear face coverings wrapped around the nose and mouth (including masks) at schools or early learning services may do so. They are entitled to make this decision and should not be criticised for doing so. If the Ministry of Health changes its advice on this issue, the relevant stakeholders will be informed.
Movement Restrictions when Visiting Schools
In an effort to limit physical contact and maintain sanitation levels at schools, the movement of visitors to any school or early learning service will be restricted to the office or check in areas only. Visitors will only be allowed to enter classrooms or any other teaching spaces if necessary to do so.
Public Health Measures at all Alert Stages
Parents are reminded that children who are sick, coughing, or demonstrating any signs of respiratory illness, must remain at home. If such symptoms develop during the school day, the student will be isolated until he or she is collected from school.
Parents are also encouraged to speak to their child/children about the need to refrain from or limit close contact with other students. For example, hugging, holding hands, sharing of water, juice bottles, sharing of masks etc.
Schools Connected to a Confirmed or Probable Case
If a confirmed or probable case is linked with a school, the school in question will be advised of that by the Chief Medical Officer.
If a person who is a confirmed, or probable, case has worked in/attended a school when they could have been infectious, the school will be closed to allow time for contact tracing and a cleaning of the school to align with Ministry of Health guidelines.
If you become aware of a case associated with your school and have not received notification from health authorities, please contact the Department of Education for information and support at 1.264.497.2874 or via email at education.mailbox@gov.ai .
Good Hygiene Practices
Good hygiene practices will continue to be a priority at all levels as the best way to minimise the potential spread of Covid-19. These include:
• Cleaning surfaces regularly
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow or by covering your nose and mouth with tissues
• Properly dispose of used tissues in a bin or bag immediately
• Wash your hands with soap and water (for at least 20 seconds) often
• Avoid close contact with people who are unwell
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
For more information, visit http://www.beatcovid19.ai/.
Conclusion
The Ministry and Department of Education assure all stakeholders that every effort has been, and will be made to ensure the safety of staff and students.
Hon. Ms. Dee-Ann Kentish Rogers
– Press Release
23 November 2020
