Launch of the #VAXAXA Challenge

MESSAGE FROM H.E. THE GOVERNOR, THE HON. PREMIER AND THE CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER

I know you have all been following closely the health situation since the identification of the cluster of local positive cases on 21 April, and I thank you for your continued support of the public health response. The cluster of cases highlighted how vulnerable we are as an island.

For the last three weeks, to manage the risk to Anguilla, the positive cluster of cases forced restrictive stay at home measures, the closure of our borders and of the majority of workplaces. It has also stretched the resources of our health team who have shown remarkable commitment, working every hour day and night to ensure the integrity of our public health response.

We are currently in a health emergency. Whilst vaccination numbers remain below the level required for herd immunity, closure of our borders and workforces is the only option available to preserve the health and safety of our population. But this approach cannot be maintained-we cannot afford to close down each time there is a positive cluster of cases on island; and it is unsustainable to continue to limit tourism activities to within the bubble. Protecting the health of our nation is paramount but our economy is suffering and individually there is hardship too.

In order for us to return to normalcy, it is vital that the adult population is vaccinated. Only then, can we mitigate the risks of the Covid-19 virus, and reopen our borders with confidence, travel freely, see family and strengthen our economy.

I recognise that concerns remain about the vaccine. However, nearly 8,000 people have now received their first dose of vaccine on island. Not one has had an adverse reaction beyond the expected mild symptoms on the day of vaccination. The vaccine is safe to accept. It is the most effective way for you to protect yourself and your loved ones from COVID-19. It will also enable you to participate in greater activities as part of our exit strategy, and will ensure your ability to meet likely vaccination travel requirements.

As a demonstration of how vital the vaccine is to Anguilla, we are seeking to encourage all remaining eligible adults to get vaccinated by launching the #VAXAXA Challenge prize draw.

Starting tomorrow, 12th May until 29th May, every individual receiving his or her first vaccine dose, will be entered that day into a daily prize draw. With thanks to the generosity of our supporting partners, prizes will include food vouchers; restaurant and bar vouchers; spa treatments; two rounds of golf; and two-night staycations with breakfast at both Cuisin Art and Zemi Beach. Each day there will also be at least seven electricity vouchers to be won, more than a 100 in total.

In addition, in line with vaccines enabling travel again, everyone who has been vaccinated, from when the vaccines first arrived at the beginning of February to the end of May, will be entered into a grand prize draw to win a 3-night stay in the Four Season Nevis. Full details of the prizes on offer and each day’s winners will be published on the beatcovid19.ai website.

We are extremely grateful to our supporting partners for their generosity in supporting our #VAXAXA Challenge prize draw and for recognising the importance of the vaccine in protecting the health of our nation. We sincerely thank them, they are part of a growing list of businesses which include – ANGLEC; Cap Juluca Belmond Hotel; Cusinart Golf Resort and Spa; Frangipani Beach Resort; IWAS; Malliouhana Auberge Resorts Collection; Roy’s Bayside Grill; Starwood and the Four Seasons Resort; and Zemi Beach House Hotel and Resort.

It is critical we all come together to play our part in protecting one another and enabling Anguilla to move forward. Support the public health response, Protect yourself and your loved ones, Get vaccinated.