H.E. The Governor & Premier Banks COVID-19 Update 6

We’re committed to keeping you updated on the facts as they relate to COVID-19 and Anguilla.

Cases/suspected cases – the three cases we previously notified you of remain the only confirmed instances of COVID-19 in Anguilla. No test results are pending.

Keeping Anguilla safe – Executive Council agreed on 8 April to extend the regulations issued by the Minister of Health on 27 March to 21 April. We remind you that these regulations prohibit gatherings of any more than 5 people and require all but non-essential workers to stay at home except to:

• visit a doctor or pharmacy;
• buy food or fuel;
• make use of banking services; and
• exercise outdoors for no more than 90 minutes per day between 5 am & 6 pm.

Unfortunately, many people are ignoring these regulations. Please follow them. They are there for your safety and for the safety of those around you, including your loved ones. All regulations remain under constant review. They could be tightened should the Chief Medical Officer advise us to do so.

Border Closure – our ports will remain closed for the movement of all passengers until 00:01 on 21 April. A final repatriation flight for 15 European nationals departed today. As with previous repatriation flights, the decision to allow this carefully managed temporary removal of the restrictions was done to reduce potential pressure on our health services.

Protecting Anguilla from illegal entry – the greatest risk we face comes from someone infected with COVID-19 reaching Anguilla through an illegal boat landing. To protect us from such selfish irresponsible acts air, sea and land patrols have been stepped up. In addition, in order to assist the patrolling effort, the Governor today signed a notice and regulations under the Emergency Powers Act prohibiting the use of any boat in Anguilla’s waters unless specifically exempted. This prohibition came into force immediately and will last until 00:01 on 21 April. You, the concerned and patriotic public, remain our nation’s best eyes. Please be vigilant and immediately report to the authorities any boat movements so that prompt action can be taken.

Response measures – the Distribution of Goods and Prices Act and Regulations have been signed today and will be posted in the various stores by Tuesday 14 April.

The protocols for the deferral of duty by importers have been established and we will ensure that a stockpile of essential sanitary and food items remain available.

The Social Security Board (Unemployment Assistance Temporary Benefits) Regulations will be signed and the application form will be put on-line on Tuesday 14 April. Arrangements are being made for application forms to be available at various points across the island. The temporary unemployment benefits for those persons who do not qualify under this programme are being prepared and will be signed off by Friday 17 April.

Playing your part – once again we urge you all to take the simple steps that save lives:

• please follow the regulations set out by the Minister of Health on 27 March;
• practice safe social distancing – staying 3 to 6 feet apart from one another;
• wash your hands frequently;
• cover coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, or in the crook of a flexed elbow;
• frequently clean and disinfect shared spaces and work surfaces; and
• avoid contact with persons suffering from or exhibiting symptoms of acute respiratory infections such as the flu, coughs, and colds.

Let us remind you again of the Ministry of Health hotline on COVID-19. The number is 1-264- 476-7627 that is 476 SOAP, or 1-264- 584- 4263, that is 584-HAND.

You can also access the most recent guidance and information at www.beatcovid19.ai