Visiting Technician from the United States Tests Positive for COVID-19 –Two Active Cases on Island; Vaccine Brings Hope

An adult male technician, who travelled to Anguilla from the United States yesterday evening, has tested positive for COVID-19. He submitted a negative COVID-19 PCR test result prior to arrival and was subsequently tested upon arrival as per the established protocol.That test came back positive. He is asymptomatic and is in isolation at an approved location. This is Anguilla’s 18th confirmed case with two active cases on island at present.

The foregoing has heralded a momentous occasion in the history of Anguilla. Today, February 4th, saw the arrival of 8,000 doses of Astra Zeneca COVID-19 into Anguilla this morning.

Anguilla, thus far, has been spared the negative health impacts of Covid-19 through the implementation of stringent protocols for testing, quarantine/isolation and contact tracing. However, as the number of COVID-19 cases continue to rise internationally, the risk continues for Anguilla to import cases. Furthermore, these efforts have been at significant cost to economic development and at a level of intensity and resources that cannot be sustained indefinitely. This vaccine is Anguilla’s first real hope of getting back to normal safely and to recovering the economy.

The vaccine will officially be launched on Friday 5th February, when elected representatives and health personnel will receive the first doses. Persons who have already registered to receive the vaccine will be contacted to schedule appointments beginning from Monday 8th February.

The Ministry encourages all Anguillians and residents of Anguilla, other than those under 18 years and pregnant women, to register and to take the vaccine. This is necessary to preserve the health of our people, get our people back to work and save our economy.

While we get our vaccine coverage up to the critical mass, the Ministry of Health reminds the public to continue practice 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

The Ministry will continue to provide timely and accurate information. Persons with any questions or concerns that they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should call 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.