Covid-19 Update as of May 6th, 2021

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

On Anguilla’s National day of Prayer, the Premier and I pray for your continued protection and wellbeing. We would like to thank you for the care you have shown towards each other in supporting the public health measures in place. We are committed to keeping you informed of the facts as they relate to the current position. This morning, 6 May, Executive Council held a special virtual session, with the Permanent Secretary for Health, Chief Medical Officer and the Commissioner of Police in attendance.

Cases – As of 1500 today, 6 May, 65 persons have tested positive linked to the cluster of COVID-19 cases first identified on 21 April. There have been no additional cases linked to this cluster since Thursday 29 April, one week ago. Thankfully, there have been no further hospitalisations.

In further positive news, since our statement on Tuesday (4 May), six people have been re-tested and deemed recovered by the Health Team. These include two independent cases and four linked to the cluster. Our total active cases therefore stands at 60.

Public Health measures– Based on the advice of the Health Team and the latest epidemiological situation today, 6 May, Executive Council agreed a stepped and carefully managed approach to gradually reduce the restrictive measures currently in place. In summary these are:

Step one -from tomorrow, Friday 7 May

To maintain protections for all, you should:

• continue to stay at home;
• leave home for essential services only between the hours of 6am –4pm;
• wear a mask; and
• shop closest to where you live.

But from tomorrow, you will be able to:

• Exercise outdoors for up to 90 minutes each day between 6am –6pm beyond the boundary of your home; and
• If you are fully vaccinated*, mix indoors with a group of up to 12 other fully vaccinated people. This does not include restaurants or bars.

Additionally, further essential services will be able to operate with the same 6am to 4pm operating hours. These will include: additional public services as directed by the Deputy Governor, hardware supplies, the construction sector, landscaping and gardening services, finance and insurance companies, law offices and other legal firms, automotive repair, supply and cleaning services, retail sales for electronic, office supplies and stationary. A full list of the services able to operate will be provided by the Ministry of Health.

Step two – from Friday 14 May

In addition to the relaxation of measures outlined in step one, fully vaccinated people will be able to meet indoors. For example in:

• Restaurants and liquor licence premises, both indoor and outdoor, for sit down dining;
• Church services; and
• To exercise in an indoor gym

Two families will be able to meet indoors with their unvaccinated children. All adults must be fully vaccinated and these gatherings must be limited to 12 persons only.

Step three – from Friday 21 May

In addition to the relaxation of measures outlined in steps one and two, our borders will re-open to returning residents as long as they comply with the required entry protocols already established.

The remainder of the Anguilla Public Service will also return to work, day care and child-minding facilities may re-open, and required school based assessments for 4th, 5th and 6th form students will be permitted.

Step four

From the week commencing Monday 24 May, the remainder of the restrictions will be lifted as follows:

• From 25 May, tourist arrivals will resume, under the same protocols already established. In line with our exit strategy, persons travelling in groups of more than 10 people, will need to be fully vaccinated to enter and to participate in any mass gatherings in Anguilla, for example conferences or weddings;
• From 27 May, schools will re-open for examinations only;
• From 28 May, all workplaces may re-open with the removal of all restrictions on hours of operations, movement and gatherings. This includes barbers and hairdressers;
• On 1 June, schools reopen for in-person teaching. And all Regulations temporarily restricting movement and gatherings will be removed.

All of these steps are predicated on the epidemiological situation remaining stable and will remain under review. The Government of Anguilla are actively considering appropriate plans to celebrate Anguilla Day and will provide further guidance shortly.

Vaccination programme – It is imperative for the protection of yourself, your family and others that you get vaccinated. It will also enable you to participate in greater activities as part of our wider exit strategy, and will ensure your ability to meet likely international travel requirements. Please get your first dose by 15 May so that we can be sure to use all doses on island before they expire. For those of you who have received your second dose you will be in receipt of blue cards confirming your vaccinations. Next week we will provide details on replacement driving licence style vaccination cards which will verify your vaccination status.

Thank you and may God continue to bless Anguilla.

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