COVID-19 Update: Six Active Cases; Delta Variant Identified from Two Previous Cases

An additional six cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed since the release of July 30th. They are as follows:

• Two unvaccinated teenage household contacts of the teenage male visitor from the United States, who was reported positive on July 30th, have now tested positive. They both submitted negative pre-arrival COVID-19 PCR tests, tested negative upon arrival and were under quarantine. They tested positive on follow-up testing conducted on August 3rd and remain in isolation. A third fully vaccinated adult household member also initially tested positive on the follow-up testing. He subsequently tested negative and is considered recovered. All have remained asymptomatic.
• A fully vaccinated returning female resident and an accompanying unvaccinated female teenage minor have tested positive for COVID-19. They returned from Sint Maarten on July 30th and the adult tested positive upon arrival. The minor, who was under quarantine, tested positive on follow up testing conducted August 4th. Both are asymptomatic and remain in isolation at an approved location.
• A fully vaccinated adult female visitor from the United States tested positive on Wednesday, August 4th. She arrived in Anguilla on July 31st, having submitted a negative pre-arrival test and tested negative upon arrival. Testing was conducted on August 4th for her return trip to the United States and that test came back positive. She developed mild symptoms and remains isolated at an approved location.

The foregoing brings the total number of confirmed cases to 121 of which six are active at this time.

Additionally, the Delta variant has been identified from the samples of cases number 112 and 113 which were sent on July 21st for sequencing. These persons have already recovered from the infection.

The Ministry of Health assures the public that all protocols for testing, isolation and contact tracing are being followed in order to minimize the risk of transmission.

The prevention of local transmission of COVID-19 in Anguilla is the priority of the Ministry of Health. Therefore, early identification, isolation and treatment are the foundations of preventing widespread transmission of the virus.

We remind the public that vaccinations remain a critical component to permit the full and safe re- opening of Anguilla to passenger travel. The Ministry of Health is once again appealing to persons to get vaccinated before the full re-opening of Anguilla.

While we get our vaccine coverage up to the critical mass, the Ministry of Health reminds the public to continue practicing hygienic measures to protect against COVID-19. These include:

• Frequent Handwashing; if water is unavailable utilize an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Covering coughs or sneezes with a disposable tissue or in the crook of a flexed elbow.
• Avoiding contact with persons who are ill with symptoms of acute respiratory infections such as fever or cough. Regularly cleaning surfaces and objects that are frequently touched or handled.

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. Additionally, persons who have been vaccinated and experience any side effects or adverse reactions are encouraged to report this at 235-4357 that is 235-HELP. The Ministry of Health will continue to provide timely updates through our media partners, our official Facebook page or at www.beatcovid19.ai.