Covid-19 Update as of April 26th, 2021

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

The Premier and I understand these are unsettling times. We would like to place on record our deep gratitude to all individuals within the Health team who continue to demonstrate unwavering commitment and public service in driving forward the public health response to keep us safe.

We will continue to keep you informed of the facts as they relate to the current position. This morning, 26 April, a special virtual session of Executive Council was held with the Permanent Secretary for Health, Chief Medical Officer and the Commissioner of Police in attendance.

Cases– As of 1200 on 26 April, there are a total of 51 persons who have tested positive linked to the cluster of COVID-19 cases first identified on 21 April. To date, no one has been hospitalised, though several are symptomatic with symptoms including fever, cough, and flu like symptoms. All cases are under isolation. The exposure locations have been identified and aggressive contact tracing and surveillance is continuing.

Public Health measures –In order to contain this situation, Executive Council have taken the difficult decision to increase the public health measures in place from 27 April, these include:

• To limit the hours that essential services may open to between 6am and 4pm only; and
• Until at least the 6th May, people should exercise only within the boundaries of their own premises. If this is communal, safe social distancing should be observed.

Enforcement- The RAPF, Immigration, and Customs are supporting the enforcement of the required public health measures. The UK Government has confirmed financial assistance to fund the additional enforcement resource requirements of our response.

Vessels in Anguilla’s waters– Joint sea patrols will be in place to intercept boats before they arrive here, boats will be turned back if they have no legitimate reason to be on our waters. The general public remains the nation’s best eyes. We ask you to be vigilant and to immediately report to the authorities any boat movements so that action can be taken promptly.

Regulations under the Emergency Powers Act prohibiting the use of any boat in Anguilla’s waters, other than those specifically exempted, have been in force since 8 April 2020. They remain in force now.

Fisheries– For the avoidance of doubt, this includes all vessels, including those engaged in fishing, except for those with a valid fishing license who are already fitted with GPS tracking. They will be allowed to operate between the hours of 6am and 4pm. Fishing can only take place from the north of Anguilla and fishers must leave and return to the harbours they are registered to.

Keeping Anguilla safe– most Anguillians are sincerely following the regulations I issued in my capacity as the Minister of Health on 22 April and are staying at home. We appreciate your support and commend your efforts. Regrettably some persons aren’t following the regulations, particularly in relation to non-essential movement. The RAPF is working hard to ensure these restrictions are followed, including through operating vehicle check points. Unless you are an essential worker you should stay at home. Between the hours of 6am and 4pm only the following activities are permissible:

• Visiting your doctor or pharmacy or to get vaccinated;
• To buy food or fuel nearest to your district; and
• To make use of banking services.

These measures are under constant review. Should the Chief Medical Officer advise, and in line with our plan for escalating measures, they could be tightened.

Vaccination programme –The vaccination of the population remains critical, and as noted previously, persons should continue to get their jabs.

Playing your part –the steps we have all been taking will continue to keep us safe. So once again, we urge you all to take the simple steps that save lives:

• 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;
• Avoid contact with persons suffering from or exhibiting symptoms of acute respiratory infections such as the flu, coughs, and colds; and
• If you have been placed under quarantine or isolation by the health officials, it is critical that you comply with the instructions given

Let us remind you 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.

The Ministry of Health will publish guidance and information at www.beatcovid19.ai

Thank you and may God continue to bless Anguilla.