COVID-19 Update – Reminder to Avoid Non-Essential Travel

In light of the dynamic evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Health (MoH) strongly advises residents of Anguilla to avoid non-essential travel, especially to areas of high COVID-19 prevalence, at this time.

Travel conditions and restrictions imposed by countries are frequently changing and may hinder your timely return to Anguilla. Furthermore, persons returning from non-essential stays overseas place an additional burden on the limited resources for testing, quarantine, surveillance and monitoring that have been put into effect to safeguard the health and wellbeing of Anguilla. Moreover, returning travelers from high prevalence areas pose an increased risk of importation of the virus that is unjustifiable at this juncture.

According to Public Health (Temporary Ports Closures) Regulations, the borders of Anguilla remain closed until October 31st. This means that all persons wishing to return to Anguilla must apply for permission to re-enter Anguilla. Further to note, based on the Executive Council decision of August 5th, all repatriated persons will now be quarantined at a government facility.

The Ministry of Health advises that all persons who have applied for repatriation must await permission before beginning their journey to Anguilla or any neighbouring islands. Failure to heed this advice may result in being stranded in a third country with no mechanism for onward travel to Anguilla.

For those needing to leave Anguilla for essential reasons, the Ministry of Health is now facilitating COVID-19 PCR testing by appointment only. Persons are advised to contact the Ministry of Health at least 72 hours before their intended travel date. The test administration fee is $100US to be paid at the Princess Alexandra Hospital. The payment receipt must be presented at the time of the appointment.

The Ministry of Health, your official source of information for this event and all health-related matters, will continue to provide timely updates through the www.beatcovid19.ai website.

Questions or concerns can be directed to the Ministry’s hotlines at 476-7627, that is 476 SOAP or 584- 4263, that is 584-HAND.