COVID-19 Update 4 from H.E. The Governor & The Hon. Premier

We’re committed to keeping you updated on the facts as they relate to Anguilla.

Cases/suspected cases – we have two confirmed cases of COVID-19. We are awaiting results from the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) laboratory on eight (8) further samples taken from suspected cases.

Testing on island – the testing kits needed to undertake screening on island arrived today. We are now commissioning the equipment for their use. Given the newness of the virus and the testing equipment, results from on-island tests still need to be verified by CARPHA. However, this development will greatly assist us in managing suspected cases.

Border Closure – our borders closed for the movement of all passengers for 14 days beginning at 23:59 on Friday 20 March. Based on the Chief Medical Officer’s advice Executive Council agreed today to extend the period of closure by a further 14 days. However, we are considering lifting this restriction to allow for a very small window of opportunity for those who wish to leave Anguilla to do so. A regime of land, sea and air patrols will continue to prevent any illegal entry.

Keeping Anguilla safe – most Anguillians are sincerely following the regulations issued by the Minister of Health on 27 March and are staying at home. We appreciate your support and commend your efforts. The RAPF are working hard to ensure these restrictions are followed – including through operating vehicle check points. We appeal to you to continue to act responsibly and patriotically. Unless you are an essential worker you should stay at home except to:

1. visit a doctor or pharmacy
2. buyfoodorfuel
3. makeuseofbankingservices
4. exercise outdoors for period not exceeding 90 minutes per day between the hours of 5:00am and 6:00pm

Food and other supplies – the shops remain open and stocked. Our ports remain fully open for goods traffic and the supply lines from the US and the region are uninterrupted. Once again, we ask you not to panic buy or to hoard. In addition the Ministry of Finance, in consultation with the Ministry of Health and private sector stakeholders, have agreed on a basket of health, sanitary and food items which will attract duty free concessions and will establish a system to regulate maximum price on these items for retailers and to prevent price gouging. These items will be required to be posted in every retail outlet.

Support for impacted employees – The Ministry of Labour, Ministry of Finance and Social Security is working out a compensatory package for those workers whose employment has been impacted by COVID-19 epidemic and who are contributors to the social security system. Within a few days, we will be rolling out the entire programme include the package and qualifying criteria. We are aware that a number of workers may not qualify under this scheme. Consequently, the Government of Anguilla is also formulating a package of support for such persons.

Playing your part – we urge you to continue taking the simple steps that save lives:

• practice safe social distancing – staying 3 to 6 feet apart from one another
• wash your hands frequently;
• cover coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, or in the crook of a flexed elbow;
• frequently clean and disinfect shared spaces and work surfaces; and
• avoid contact with persons suffering from or exhibiting symptoms of acute respiratory infections such as the flu, coughs, and colds. Let us remind you once again of the Ministry of Health hotline on COVID-19. The number is 1-264- 476-7627 that is 476 SOAP, or 1-264- 584- 4263, that is 584-HAND. You can also access the most recent guidance and information at www.beatcovid19.ai