COVID-19 Update: 36 Active Cases

The following is an update since the press release of September 6th. An additional 9 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed. They are as follows:

• Three contacts of positive cases -one household contact (an unvaccinated minor) and two social contacts consisting of an unvaccinated adult female and an unvaccinated minor: the adult female and one of the minors tested positive at the end of the quarantine period; the other minor was newly identified through contact tracing.
• Three residents returned from overseas who tested positive at the end of the quarantine period–a fully vaccinated male who returned from Sint Maarten and unvaccinated minors who returned from Sint Maarten and Mexico
• A fully vaccinated adult female visitor from the US who tested positive on her day 4 test
• Two residents with no history of recent travel – a fully vaccinated adult male and an unvaccinated minor – who developed symptoms compatible with COVID-19 and were tested

All persons are under isolation and contact tracing and investigations are ongoing and have just begun for the most recent cases.

Additionally, 23 persons have recovered. The total number of confirmed cases since the beginning of the pandemic in early 2020 is 305 with 36 active cases on island at this time. The unvaccinated elderly gentleman who tested positive and was hospitalized remains hospitalized in a serious condition.

The prevention of local transmission of COVID-19 in Anguilla is the priority of the Ministry of Health. Therefore, early identification, isolation and treatment are the foundations of preventing widespread transmission of the virus:

• It is therefore critical that persons who have been placed under quarantine or isolation remain separated from other individuals at all times until they are cleared to resume normal activities by the Quarantine Authority. Additionally, in most instances it will be necessary for individuals to undergo a second test before they are cleared. The Ministry of Health asks that persons appreciate the importance of the testing protocols, and follow the instructions of the members of the health team. This is critical to breaking transmission of the virus.

• It is also of paramount importance for any persons experiencing symptoms compatible with COVID-19 such as flu-like symptoms, cough, fever, sore throat, muscle aches, loss of taste or smell… to isolate immediately and call the Ministry’s hotlines 476-7627, that is 476 SOAP or 584-4263, that is 584-HAND. Out of an abundance of caution, persons experiencing these symptoms should not report to work until cleared to do so by the Ministry of Health.

• Any persons who believe they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should also call the Ministry’s hotlines 476-7627, that is 476 SOAP or 584-4263, that is 584-HAND.

• Furthermore, the wearing of masks in indoor public spaces is currently mandated in public health regulations with a penalty for breaches. Additionally, persons in intergenerational households and households with unvaccinated persons should consider mask wearing inside the homes in addition to hygienic precautions.

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