The Ministry of Health Seeks Assistance with Contact Tracing

The Ministry of Health continues its efforts in reducing the spread of COVID-19. As the number

of cases has increased over the past months, this has posed a challenge to all aspects, including contact tracing. Furthermore, with the introduction of the highly infectious Omicron variant, the number of cases is expected to increase even more over the next weeks. In order to optimize the identification of contacts and minimize further transmission, the Ministry is asking persons who test positive for COVID-19 to encourage all potential contacts to come to the drive-through testing site for assessment and follow up.

A contact is a person who has been close to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 within 2 days prior to positive test or two days prior to symptom onset and up to 10 days after – as this is when they can pass the infection on to others. A contact can be

• anyone who lives in the same household as another person who has COVID-19 symptoms or has tested positive for COVID-19
• anyone who has had any of the following types of contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19
  • face-to-face contact including being coughed on or having a face-to-face conversation within one metre/three feet
  • direct physical contact
  • been within one metre/three feet of someone for more than 15 minutes (either as a one-off contact, or added up together over one day)

A person may also be a close contact if they have travelled in the same vehicle or plane as a person who has tested positive for COVID-19.

COVID-19 drive-through testing is available at the Caribbean Commercial Complex Sunday to Thursday 7:30 to 11:00 and Friday 7:30 to 12:00. Please be informed that the drive through is closed on Saturdays. Testing is free for contacts, symptomatic persons and anyone who feels they were exposed to COVID-19.

Recall that COVID-19 is often more severe in people 60 years and older or with underlying health conditions like diabetes, heart or lung disease, or conditions that affect their immune system. Furthermore, the risk of severe COVID-19 (including death) increases as the number of underlying medical conditions increases in a person, and more so if unvaccinated. Therefore, persons with underlying risk factors for severe COVID-19, especially if unvaccinated, are advised to avoid social gatherings to minimize personal risk at this time.

MSD MISSION: “To be the lead agency in the development of social services, including health services, educational services, sports and recreation, environmental health protection, youth and cultural development, correctional services and family and community services, through the provision of policy and strategic direction to improve the quality of life for all persons residing in Anguilla”.

Be reminded that those who have been placed under quarantine or isolation must remain separated from other individuals at all times until they are cleared to resume normal activities by the Quarantine Authority. 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.

It is also of paramount importance for anyone experiencing symptoms compatible with COVID- 19 such as flu-like symptoms, stuffy nose, runny nose, sneezing, 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, anyone experiencing these symptoms should not report to work until cleared to do so by the Ministry of Health.

If you believe you may have been exposed to COVID-19, call the Ministry’s hotlines at 476- 7627, that is 476 SOAP or 584-4263, that is 584-HAND.

The wearing of masks in indoor public spaces is currently mandated in public health regulations with a penalty for breaches. Additionally, those living in multigenerational 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.

In addition to minimizing the number of people gathering in your home, private indoor social gatherings involving unvaccinated minors such as sleepovers and parties are strongly discouraged at this time.

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.