One Visitor Tests Positive for COVID-19 –One Active Case now on Island

An adult female visitor from the United States has today tested positive for COVID-19 on her departure test for her return trip to the US. The female is fully vaccinated with the Moderna vaccine and arrived in Anguilla on July 11th. She submitted a negative COVID- 19 PCR test result prior to arrival and subsequently tested negative upon arrival.

Presently she is experiencing mild symptoms and is in isolation. Additionally, all immediate household members who have traveled with her have been quarantined. This brings the total number of confirmed cases to 112 with one active case on island at this time.

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

The case is one of a vaccine breakthrough infection, defined as the detection of SARS- CoV-2 RNA or antigen in a respiratory specimen collected from a person ≥14 days after receipt of all recommended doses of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine. Even though the vaccines are highly effective, breakthrough cases are expected, especially before population immunity reaches sufficient levels to further decrease transmission. However, vaccine breakthrough infections occur in only a small fraction of all vaccinated persons and account for a small percentage of all COVID-19 cases. Furthermore, the number of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths that will be prevented among vaccinated persons will far exceed the number of vaccine breakthrough cases.

In this regard, 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. our media partners.