Child Visitor from the United States Test Positive for COVID-19

A child from the United States, who arrived in Anguilla on December 17th, has tested positive for COVID-19 on the seventh day of his visit. The child, who travelled as a part of a large group of family and friends to Anguilla, had a negative COVID-19 PCR test result submitted prior to arrival. He was subsequently tested upon arrival as per the established protocol and that test also came back negative. The test on Day 7 of the visit was requested for onward travel from Anguilla. That test came back positive. The other members of the group were also tested and their results were negative.

The group has been under quarantine since their arrival in Anguilla and remain under quarantine at this time. The child, who is asymptomatic, has been placed in isolation at an approved location.

The foregoing underscores the main principles of the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 strategy and protocols to date:

• A negative test does not guarantee that persons are not infected with the virus. They may be in the incubation period, with the virus as yet undetectable by testing. As indicated previously, this is why the Ministry’s testing strategy involves serial tests, e.g. a test on arrival and a test at Day 10. This is estimated to be able to capture up to 97% of persons who are infected with the virus.
• Furthermore, persons are not released into the general population of Anguilla until they have completed quarantine and have been medically cleared.
  
  This is currently our second active case on island and brings our total confirmed cases to 12.
  
  The Ministry assures the general public that all protocols for testing, quarantine/isolation and contact tracing are being followed to minimize the risk of transmission.
  
  The Ministry notes that as the number of COVID-19 cases continue to rise internationally, the risk continues for Anguilla to import cases. Therefore, the Ministry continues to stress the importance of our stringent entry testing and quarantine protocols. All persons must submit a negative COVID-19 test conducted 3-5 days before arrival, be tested on entry, quarantine and have a negative test to exit quarantine.
  
  The Ministry of Health reminds the public to practice hygienic measures to protect against COVID-19. These include:

• Frequent Hand-washing; 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

The Ministry will continue to provide timely and accurate information. Persons with any questions or concerns that they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should call the Ministry’s hotlines at 476-7627, that is 476 SOAP or 584-4263, that is 584-HAND.

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