COVID-19 Response Quarantine Update

The Ministry of Health hereby advises the general public that the transportation of all persons under quarantine, from ports of entry to their approved accommodations, MUST be with certified ground transportation personnel. This applies to Anguillians, returning residents and visitors to Anguilla. The risk associated with uncertified drivers collecting these individuals at the ports is significant and not in keeping with national protocols to control the spread of COVID-19 if it were to be imported.

In addition, persons under quarantine are reminded to comply with the COVID-19 quarantine rules which include the following:

• Persons are not allowed to leave their approved dwelling without authorization from the
  Quarantine Authority.
• Persons may not adjust/rearrange approved mechanisms for the provision of basic supplies (clothing, food, hand hygiene supplies, medication and available laundry services) without prior
  approval from the Quarantine Authority.
• Persons must immediately notify the Ministry of Health of any changes in their current situation including support systems
• Security monitoring applications (e.g. Cell phone tracking, CT cameras etc.) may be applied as necessary to ensure compliance with quarantine measures.
• Persons must cooperate with officials for field monitoring which will entail random, unannounced multiple daily home visits during the quarantine period for health and compliance checks. These
  visits are being jointly conducted by Ministry of Health and the Royal Anguilla Police Force.
• Field monitoring and surveillance activities by the Royal Anguilla Police Force also include protocols to confirm the identity of individuals in quarantine.
  
• These measures are being reinforced and augmented in light of the worsening of the COVID-19 pandemic globally. Failure to comply may result in fines up to 38,000 XCD and jail time of six months. The Ministry of Health thanks the general public for their continued cooperation as we try to keep Anguilla safe.
• The Ministry of Health also reminds the general public that it has not instituted a universal mask mandate at this time. Therefore, regulations to this effect are not in place and this practice cannot be enforced. WHO guidelines and the Government of Anguilla’s Escalation Plan are clear that the current epidemiological situation does not warrant the use of masks for healthy individuals in the general population. This practice only serves to use resources that should be reserved for use when absolutely necessary, causes unnecessary panic and gives a false sense of security.
• 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 basic measures to curb the spread of the disease are still and place and will continue to serve the country well going forward: testing and early detection, quarantine/ isolation, contact tracing, social distancing and good respiratory hygiene.

The Ministry will continue to provide timely updates through our media partners, our official Facebook page and the beatcovid19.ai website.

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. Concerns pertaining to psychosocial support can be directed to 548-0406.