June 2021

COVID-19 Update as of June 3rd, 2021

...
BEAT COVID-19
Share:

FROM H.E THE GOVERNOR AND THE HON. PREMIER

The Premier and I would like to update everyone on the current Covid-19 situation as discussed at the Executive Council meeting held earlier today 03 June 2021.

We are proud that the vast majority of Anguillians have been responsible and abided by the public health measures put in place to protect our community. This has contributed significantly to the improved situation we find ourselves in today.

As of noon today, we have zero active cases of Covid-19 on the island. All 78 cases related to the cluster first identified on 21 April have recovered, including the three persons who were hospitalised for respiratory distress.

Mask mandate and physical distancing continues

However, with our borders now open to returning residents and visitors, we do remain vulnerable. We can see with the resurgence of the virus in nearby St Martin / Sint Maarten and know from our own experience with the cluster just how quickly Covid-19 can spread.

Although with every additional person vaccinated, here at the Ronald Webster Park, we become more resilient, we still have not reached herd immunity. For this reason, whilst there are no longer temporary restrictions on movement and gatherings, Executive Council agreed that until 30 June 2021:

  • Physical distancing requirements will remain in place; as will required mask wearing for public indoor places and places where physical distancing is not possible; and
  • Restrictions to the movement of boats on our waters will remain in place; but from Monday 07 June, there will be no restrictions to fishing on the north side of the island for licenced fishing vessels fitted with GPS trackers.

Vaccination ID cards

We feel confident to say that if the epidemiological situation remains as it is today and vaccination numbers continue to increase so that we reach herd immunity, we are on track for Phase 1 of our Exit Strategy on 01 July, which will enable entry into Anguilla without quarantine for fully vaccinated persons*.

We are sure this change on 01 July will mean that many of you will be travelling – I know many of you are ready to leave the island to visit family, to have a break, or to attend to personal administrative matters. Proof of vaccination will make that travel easier.

Each day more and more destinations are making entry easier for those who are fully vaccinated; and like Anguilla, a number of destinations are likely to make vaccination a requirement for visitor entry.

Starting next week, the Government of Anguilla will begin to issue certified plastic Vaccination ID Cards. The cards will have readable QR code for international authorities to verify your vaccination status.

Collection dates for the plastic vaccination ID cards will be organised by the date of when you received your second dose of the vaccine. You will need to present your original blue paper vaccination card along with a photo I.D. to verify your identity and to confirm the details of your vaccination dates. For those persons who are elderly or are unable to come to the Electoral Office, alternative arrangements will be made to have your vaccine ID cards printed.

The first tranche of persons to collect their cards will be those who received their second dose between 12 and 16 April –you will be able to collect your card from Friday 11 June to Thursday 17 June 2021. Full details and the schedule of when you are able to collect your card will be published on the Ministry of Health beatcovid19.ai website.

First dose deadline

There is no time to waste-for our exit strategy, it is critical we reach herd immunity. The vaccination doses we have on island expire on 31 July. This means that if you have not received your first dose, you need to receive it before 18 June. This date is important to allow you to have the minimum amount of time required between the administration of the two doses for the vaccine to be effective.

Who should get vaccinated?

All eligible adults should get vaccinated. Of particular importance, are those of you who are in regular, day-to-day, contact with the general public and/or vulnerable people such as children, pregnant women and the elderly. Examples of persons who fall into this category are hotel workers, taxi drivers, restaurant servers, hospital and care workers, entertainers, bank tellers, cashiers, store clerks, parents, educators, police, immigration and custom officials.

We urge you to do your part to protect the vulnerable people in our community who cannot be vaccinated. The health team is operating drive-through vaccinations at the Ronald Webster Park for both first and second doses. Please do your patriotic duty –get vaccinated. Thank you and may God continue to bless Anguilla.

END

* Definition of fully vaccinated is three weeks after receiving your second dose.