Anguilla reports first COVID-19 cases

Anguilla reports first COVID-19 cases on the island after receiving notification from the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) yesterday, on March 26, 2020, that 2 of the 4 samples sent on Monday, March 23, have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus and 2 have tested negative.

The first positive case is an imported case – a 27-year old female visitor from the US, who arrived in Anguilla on March 11. The second positive case, a 47- year old male resident, is a close contact of the first case. This is also an indication of local transmission. In accordance with public health practices for containment and prevention of spread, the individuals, who both presented with mild symptoms, were placed in isolation upon suspicion and they remain in isolation at this time.

The Ministry of Health and Health Authority colleagues have initiated aggressive contact tracing to identify every individual who may have come into close contact with this patient. All individuals thus identified will placed under quarantine and tested.

Furthermore, additional social distancing measures for the general public as outlined in the Plan for Escalation of Measures for COVID-19 will be announced shortly.

The Government of Anguilla has been preparing for the arrival of COVID-19 since late January and urges residents not to panic and instead be guided by the helpful practices that you can do prevent the spread of COVID-19. To date, out of a total of 9 suspected cases of COVID-19, 5 have tested negative, 2 have tested positive, and 2 are pending.

Members of the general public are once again urged to follow proper hygiene, respiratory etiquette, and comply with the social distancing guidance in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The Ministry of Health and the Government of Anguilla maintain that the health and safety of the nation continue to be the utmost priority.

The Ministry will continue to provide timely and accurate information as the situation continues to evolve. 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.