COVID-19 Update as of 02 September 2021

FROM H.E. THE GOVERNOR AND THE HON. PREMIER

The Premier and I would like to update you on the current Covid-19 situation.

Cases

As of 12 pm today, 02 September there are 48 confirmed active cases of Covid-19 on island. Track and trace investigations are ongoing, with over 1150 individuals screened since 08 August.

COVID-19 can effect anyone. Of the current active cases, it is sobering to note that the youngest is a one year old toddler and the oldest a 91 year old man, who remains in hospital in serious condition. We pray for their health and recovery.

The up to date estimates from the Ministry of Health are concerning; 84% of confirmed cases now involve local transmission. There has been an increase in the number of infections of unvaccinated minors, who represent almost 20% of all confirmed cases. The predominance of household clusters within multigenerational families show at least 20 of the last 56 new cases are associated with just three households.

Many cases are asymptomatic or have symptoms generally mild in nature, such as a headache, scratchy throat, cough and runny nose or lack of taste or smell. If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, please isolate and get tested.

Schools and child care facilities

Due to the increased pattern of children being infected, Executive Council has agreed that from tomorrow until further notice, schools, pre-schools, licensed and informal day care centres must close until further notice from tomorrow 03 September. The online platform learning will continue for primary and secondary schools.

The aim of the measures is to mitigate as much as possible local transmission. We understand this will have a consequential impact for employees with childcare obligations and ask employers to help support these health measures, that will also protect workplaces, through the consideration of flexible hours or work-from home options wherever possible.

We ask families to consider minimising as much as possible settings in which their children are mixing with other children.

Measures in place

With this current epidemiological situation, we are reminding persons that the wearing of masks is mandatory.

Indoor and outdoor settings must be limited to 25 persons with social distancing in place. This includes restaurants, bars, family celebrations, beach outings and religious services.

Business owners and proprietors will need to ensure adherence to these health regulations within their establishments.

Residents and the 4-day quarantine requirement

Recently, several quarantine breaches have been noted by the Ministry of Health concerning returning residents.

Such a breach occurs when returning residents or individuals due to stay in households within the community, book a one night stay in a certified hotel or villa and check out following the result of their entry test. This is contrary to current regulations that require such persons to quarantine for a minimum of 4 days. Persons found in breach will be reported to the Royal Anguilla Police Force for investigation.

Vaccine update

Earlier this week, vaccines for those in need of their second dose arrived from the UK. The vaccination team will begin second doses on 09 September. Everyone in need of a second dose will be contacted by the Ministry of Health to set an appointment.

We also would like to remind everyone that the Ministry of Health is also asking for persons with children between the ages of 12 and 17 and those who would like their first dose to register their interest for vaccination on the Ministry of Health website.

Please note a fee will be introduced for the replacement of lost or damaged vaccine ID cards.

Playing your part

The steps we have all been taking will continue to help keep us safe and save lives. So once again, we urge you all to take the simple steps:

• respect the current mask and social distancing regulations
• 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 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.

The Ministry of Health will publish guidance and information at www.beatcovid19.ai May God bless you and may God continue to bless Anguilla.

END