COVID-19 Update: Ten Active Cases; Investigations Ongoing for New Cases

The following is an update since the press conference of Monday, August 9th on the events that

were unfolding. An additional six cases of COVID-19 were confirmed and are as follows:

• A 34 year-old fully vaccinated male resident, with no history of recent travel, tested positive on the morning of Monday, August 9th, after having developed symptoms compatible with COVID-19 over the preceding weekend. To date, the source of his infection has not been identified and the investigation is ongoing. Thus far, 38 persons have been screened and have tested negative. His direct contacts remain under quarantine while he remains in isolation with mild symptoms.
• A fully vaccinated adult male visitor from the United States and a fully vaccinated adult female travel companion have also tested positive for COVID-19. The party of four arrived in Anguilla on August 4th, after having submitted negative pre arrival tests – and tested negative upon arrival. He was tested on August 9th for his return trip to the United States and that test came back positive. The other members of the travel party were then tested as part of the contact tracing investigation that ensued and the female also tested positive. Both cases are currently asymptomatic, after initially having mild symptoms, and remain under isolation. The other two persons remain under quarantine.
• Two fully vaccinated adults (one male, one female) and an unvaccinated female minor from the same household tested positive, yesterday, August 11th. There is no history of recent travel and the adult female was tested having developed mild symptoms compatible with COVID-19. Five other household members were then tested as part of the contact tracing investigation and the adult male and minor also tested positive. The minor had also developed mild symptoms while the adult male is asymptomatic. They remain in isolation while the other members of the household remain under quarantine. To date, the source of the infection has not been identified and the investigation is ongoing.

Additionally, two previous cases have since recovered. This brings the total number of confirmed cases to 127 of which ten are active at this time.

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. In light of these recent developments, while these cases are under investigation, the Ministry advises the following:

• Any persons experiencing symptoms compatible with COVID-19 such as flu-like symptoms, cough, fever, sore throat, muscle aches, loss of taste or smell… should isolate and call the Ministry’s hotlines 476-7627, that is 476 SOAP or 584-4263, that is 584- HAND
• Any persons who believe they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should also call the Ministry’s hotlines 476-7627, that is 476 SOAP or 584-4263, that is 584-HAND
• Persons in intergenerational households and households with unvaccinated persons should consider mask wearing inside the homes in addition to hygienic precautions.

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. The Ministry of Health will continue to provide timely updates through our media partners, our official Facebook page or at www.beatcovid19.ai.