The Ministry of Health hereby informs the general public that the BA.5 Omicron sub variant has been detected in Anguilla from two out of the last 10 samples sent to the Caribbean Public Health Agency, CARPHA. The samples, taken June 29th and July 3rd respectively, were from a child with no history of recent travel and a returning resident who had returned to Anguilla a few days prior. The remaining eight results were of the BA.2 Omicron sub variant.
Those samples were taken from two visitors and six residents with no history of recent travel.
BA.5, part of the Omicron family, is the latest coronavirus variant causing widespread waves of infection globally at present. In the United States, it is estimated to be causing around 65% of infections. This sub variant is particularly good at evading the immune protection afforded either by vaccination or prior infection. This has resulted in many reinfections, often a short time after having COVID-19 and in persons who have previously been infected with Omicron.
On the other hand, while rising cases have caused more hospitalizations in some countries, deaths have not gone up dramatically. This is largely because vaccines continue to protect against severe illness and death. However, WHO and other experts continue to admonish that spikes in cases can put health services under pressure and risk more people getting long COVID.
The WHO and other experts also continue to admonish that the ongoing pandemic – prolonged by vaccine inequity and the desire in many countries to “move beyond” COVID-19 – will only lead to more new and unpredictable variants.
Anguilla has now also recorded its 10th death from COVID-19 – a fully vaccinated male, with an underlying risk factor for severe COVID-19, who received his second dose of COVID-19 vaccine more than a year ago.
As of July 21st at 6am, Anguilla has confirm 3543 cases of which there have been 3514 recoveries. There are currently 19 active cases and no persons admitted to the Isolation Unit.
The relaxation of protocols does not mean that the COVID-19 threat is over. The Ministry of Health once again reminds the general public that frequent handwashing and the practice of good hygiene remain the best ways to protect yourself and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Vaccination remains the most effective form of protection against severe disease and death.
Vaccination and booster doses are still available and increasingly are a requirement for travel.
The Ministry urges the general public to take proactive steps to protect your own health and that of your family members by getting vaccinated.
– Press Release
