COVID-19 Update: 27 Active Cases; Delta Variant Continues to be Identified

The following is an update since the press release of September 24th. An additional 25 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed. They are as follows:

• 18 contacts of positive cases:
  • 13 household contacts – three fully vaccinated adult females, one fully vaccinated adult male, two unvaccinated adult females and seven unvaccinated minors
  • Four workplace contacts – one fully vaccinated adult male, two unvaccinated adult males and one unvaccinated adult female
  • One social contact – a fully vaccinated adult male

• One fully vaccinated male resident who returned from Sint Maarten

• Six residents – who with no history of recent travel who developed symptoms compatible with COVID-19 and were tested: two fully vaccinated adult females, one fully vaccinated male, one unvaccinated adult female and two unvaccinated adult males.

All persons are under isolation and contact tracing and investigations are ongoing. Furthermore, fully vaccinated adult male and unvaccinated (infant) minor that were hospitalized remain hospitalized in stable condition.

Seventeen more persons have recovered. The total number of confirmed cases since the beginning of the pandemic in early 2020 is 389 with 27 active cases at this time. Additionally, the Delta Variant was identified from all 10 samples sent for sequencing on September 2nd.

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:

• It is therefore critical that persons who have been placed under quarantine or isolation remain separated from other individuals at all times until they are cleared to resume normal activities by the Quarantine Authority. Additionally, in most instances it will be necessary for individuals to undergo a second test before they are cleared. The Ministry of Health asks that persons appreciate the importance of the testing protocols, and follow the instructions of the members of the health team. This is critical to breaking transmission of the virus.

• It is also of paramount importance for any persons experiencing symptoms compatible with COVID-19 such as flu-like symptoms, cough, fever, sore throat, muscle aches, loss of taste or smell… to isolate immediately and call the Ministry’s hotlines 476-7627, that is 476 SOAP or 584-4263, that is 584-HAND. Out of an abundance of caution, persons experiencing these symptoms should not report to work until cleared to do so by the Ministry of Health.

• 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.

• Furthermore, the wearing of masks in indoor public spaces is currently mandated in public health regulations with a penalty for breaches. Additionally, persons in intergenerational households and households with unvaccinated persons should consider mask wearing inside the homes in addition to hygienic precautions. This is especially crucial in cases where persons are experiencing symptoms, regardless of how mild.

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.