PHILIPSBURG:--- Recognizing the Government’s primary responsibility is to protect the safety and well-being of all residents, the following measures were approved at a special meeting of Executive Council held today 15 March 2020 at 1 pm:
- No direct private flights originating from any European country (including the UK) will be allowed to land in Anguilla for the next fourteen (14) days. This will come into force from 11:59 pm on Tuesday 17th March (Anguilla time).
- With immediate effect, all passengers arriving from Europe, irrespective of the route they have taken into Anguilla, will be quarantined for 14 days. On their arrival, an assessment will be made as to whether quarantine will be at their home, or in an approved government facility.
- All non-essential travel for public servants has been suspended for 30 days. In addition, residents of Anguilla are encouraged to avoid all unnecessary travel overseas at this time.
- As a precautionary measure, all schools will close for one week beginning tomorrow morning, Monday 16th March.
- Cruise vessels with passengers who have been to Europe in the last two weeks will not be allowed to dock, or otherwise disembark passengers into Anguilla.
- Large gatherings - whether public or private - which are likely to involve persons from overseas should not take place for the next forty-five (45) days. Other local gatherings e.g. church, sports, and political events may continue at this time but this will be reviewed as necessary.
In addition, the authorities in St Maarten have confirmed that nationals and residents of Anguilla will be allowed to transit through St Maarten and to Anguilla.
We take this opportunity to remind the public that hygienic measures remain our best defense in protecting ourselves from contracting and spreading this virus. These include:
- Ensuring that shared spaces and work surfaces are cleaned and disinfected frequently
- Frequent handwashing
- Covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue or in the crook of a flexed elbow
- Avoiding contact with persons suffering from or exhibiting symptoms of acute respiratory infections such as the flu, coughs, and colds
- Limiting physical contact with others, including no handshakes or physical greeting and
to avoid crowds.
The Ministry of Health has established a hotline for the general public seeking information on COVID-19 and for persons who feel they have been exposed to COVID-19. The number is 1-264-476-7627 or 476 SOAP.
The Ministry of Health will continue to provide timely updates through their media partners and their official Facebook page (Ministry of Health and Social Development) as it becomes available.
