COVID-19 Response: Extensions & Amendments to Regulations

Extension and Amendments to the Public Health (Temporary Closure of Ports) Regulations; Non-extension of Public Health (Temporary Restrictions on Public Gatherings) Regulations; Extension and Amendments to the Emergency Powers (COVID 19) Border Control Regulations.

On May 29th 2020, the Minister of Health, Hon. Evans McNiel Rogers, signed amendments to the Public Health (Temporary Closure of Ports) Regulations as approved by Executive Council under section 8 of the Public Health Act, R.S.A. c. P125 as a critical part of Anguilla’s COVID-19 response.

The first amendment extends the period for the closure of all ports in Anguilla to 30 June, 2020 from the current date of 31 May, 2020.

The second amendment revises the categories of persons and activities which are exempted from the regulation in accordance with the government’s de-escalation plan. The categories of persons and activities which are allowed under the regulation for the period of 1 June to 30 June, 2020 are as follows:

(a) aircrafts, ships, vessels or boats licensed for the transportation of Cargo;

(b) aircrafts, ships, vessels or boats used for emergency services or for the transportation of emergency personnel or equipment; and

(c) government approved aircrafts, ships, vessels or boats used for the:
(i) repatriation of Anguillian citizens to Anguilla; and
(ii) departure of Anguillian and Non-Anguillian citizens from Anguilla

(as specified in Executive Council Minute 20/238 of 25 May 2020)

H.E. The Governor also extended the “Emergency Powers (COVID 19) Border Control Regulations to 30 June, 2020. However, the main amendment to those regulations is that permission has now been given to allow fishing on any day between 5 am and 6 pm to the north side of the island.

These regulations are being implemented in the best interest of the public, in a measured way, and in keeping with sound public health principles and practice.

MSD MISSION: “To be the lead agency in the development of social services, including health services, educational services, sports and recreation, environmental health protection, youth and cultural development, correctional services and family and community services, through the provision of policy and strategic direction to improve the quality of life for all persons residing in Anguilla”.

The Public Health (Temporary Restrictions on Public Gatherings) Regulations, 2020 which will expire on May 31, 2020 have not been extended by the Minister. This means that subsequent to that date there will be no prohibition on public or private gatherings, groups or activities.

This decision is based on the current epidemiological situation. At the present time there are no suspected cases, no active cases and no evidence of transmission of the COVID-19 virus within Anguilla. Furthermore, it has been more than 60 days since our last confirmed case.

However, in order to maintain this status, we must remain steadfast in our efforts to prevent this virus from ever establishing a foothold in our community. Members of the public, as well as the public and private sectors, are being encouraged to maintain social distancing measures, respiratory hygiene and cleanliness protocols which have been in force over the last few months. These protocols are now the new normal and should be maintained into the foreseeable future.

The Ministry of Health will observe national compliance with these measures as well as continue to monitor the epidemiological situation. In order to protect the health of the public, new regulations restricting the movement of people and public gatherings may be reintroduced should this become necessary. It is hoped that this will be avoided by all residents of Anguilla accepting individual responsibility for keeping the island safe and acting accordingly.

The Ministry of Health and the Government of Anguilla maintain that the health and safety of the nation continue to be the utmost priority.

The Ministry of Health will continue to provide timely updates through our media partners, our official Facebook page or at www.beatcovid19.ai.

Persons with any questions or concerns should call the Ministry’s hotlines at 476-7627, that is 476 SOAP or 584-4263, that is 584-HAND.