With vaccinations still being the order of the day, and the Premier still adamant that the population reaches “herd immunity” in short order, records indicate that there is a gradual closing-in on the targeted 10,000 for such immunity to be achieved.
In the absence of the health team at the weekly Government press conference of June 7th, the Hon. Premier, Dr. Ellis Webster, reported: “In terms of vaccination updates, there are 9,510 persons registered with 9,059 of those receiving their first dose. To date, 5,579 have received their second dose. We are certainly on the right track. However, vaccine deployment has slowed down significantly again.”
The Premier reiterated that there is a target of 70% of the population to be vaccinated in order to accomplish “herd immunity” which will help to keep Anguilla safe. “We must protect those who can’t be vaccinated,” he said. “These include children, pregnant women and those who have medical conditions which would prevent them from being vaccinated. We would therefore like for those who can be vaccinated to go and get vaccinated.”
He explained, once again, that due to the need for allowing six weeks between the first and second doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine, persons will now have until June 17th to make sure they get their first dose. Then the second dose should be taken before the vaccines expire on July 31st.
He went on: “So I am appealing to everyone who can take the vaccine [to take it]. I am appealing to you for our own health and the health of those around us. Let us keep this country safe and protect those who cannot protect themselves through the vaccination.”
Due to the UK’s commitment to Anguilla, and the other British Overseas Territories, 8,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine were sent to Anguilla from the UK in early February. In mid-March, another 4,000 doses were received; and by the end of March a final 8,000 doses were sent to US, thus making a total of 20,000 doses.
Considering that Anguilla’s population is some 14,285, and with the total first doses nearing 10,000, approximately 70% of general population could well be immunised if everyone who took the first dose would follow-up and also take the second dose before July 31st, when the last tranche would expire.
Meanwhile, the Premier reported that currently there are no active cases of the Covid-19 virus in Anguilla. He said: “The last positive case was reported on May 10th. Today, June 7th, completes two incubation cycles for the virus, and there have been no more positive tests results indicated.”
– Staff Reporter, James Ronald Harrigan
