Additional Approved Festivals Slated for Summer

The Ministry of Health continues to assess and approve protocols from organisers who are planning festival activities during the summer. Current public health measures mandate that festivals can only be attended by fully vaccinated individuals. This is in keeping with government’s duty to protect the public’s health in a small community such as Anguilla. Organisers and persons who contravene the regulations are subject to the activity being shut down, and or fines being levied.

In addition to the festivals publicized as approved by the Ministry of Health on Monday 26 July 2021, the “Cap Juluca Carnival Gala” is also approved to proceed in accordance with Ministry protocols, and Public Health Regulations, for vaccinated participants only.

Additionally, for purposes of correcting the name of one of the events already approved, the “Scrumptious Cultural Fete/Home Grown Car Club Street Poker” has also been authorised by the Ministry of Health as a festival activity.

Unvaccinated minors under the age of 18 are not permitted to attend these festival events. Additionally, all vendors, participants and organisers attending these events must also be fully vaccinated.

Organisers of festivals must ensure that mechanisms are in place to verify that attendees are vaccinated, upon entry of the venue, in accordance with regulations. Additionally, all promotional items must explicitly state that the event can only be attended by vaccinated individuals. This is necessary in order to avoid any misconceptions at the point of entry.

The Ministry of Health and the Royal Anguilla Police Force will be monitoring festivals to ensure that regulations are not contravened. Other activities submitted for approval will be announced.

The Ministry reminds the public that only three days remain for residents of Anguilla to receive a first dose of the vaccine at the James Ronald Webster Park from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm Wednesday 28 June to Friday 30 June 2021. All persons who receive first doses during this period will receive their second dose at the appropriate time.

We remind the public that vaccinations remain a critical component to permit the full and safe re-opening of Anguilla to passenger travel. The Ministry of Health is once again appealing to persons to get vaccinated before the full re-opening of Anguilla.

While we get our vaccine coverage up to the critical mass, the Ministry of Health reminds the public to continue practicing hygienic measures to protect against COVID-19. These include:

• Frequent Handwashing; if water is unavailable utilize an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Covering coughs or sneezes with a disposable tissue or in the crook of a flexed elbow.
• Avoiding contact with persons who are ill with symptoms of acute respiratory infections such as fever or cough.
• Regularly cleaning surfaces and objects that are frequently touched or handled.

Questions or concerns can be directed to the Ministry’s hotlines at 476-7627, that is 476 SOAP or 584-4263, that is 584-HAND. Additionally, persons who have been vaccinated and experience any side effects or adverse reactions are encouraged to report this at 235- 4357 that is 235-HELP. The Ministry of Health will continue to provide timely updates through our media partners, our official Facebook page or at www.beatcovid19.ai.