Drive-through process for second COVID-19 shots.
ANGUILLA--Premier Ellis Lorenzo Webster announced on Friday that there are 64 cases of COVID-19 in Anguilla, all connected to the cluster first recognised on April 21. There is one 42-year-old man in the intensive care unit at Princess Alexandra Hospital with respiratory problems due to the virus. On Sunday it was announced that there are two independent active cases. One was identified on April 19 and a household member was also found positive on April 29. Some 1,414 people have been tested following the contact tracing from the cluster.
The positive cases include 59 adults and seven children. The ages range from seven months to 72 years but most fall into the 30-38 age range. There are 7,713 people registered to be vaccinated with 6,979 already receiving their first shot and of those, 2,473 have had the second dose. There are 790 people in home quarantine that includes villas, and hotels, and six in government facilities. The second doses are now being delivered at the Ronald Webster Park with a drive-through facility that is proving very successful.
The premier talked about vaccination hesitancy and spoke about some of the conspiracy theories on the Internet and excuses people are using for not vaccinating. He said some of the concerns and issues have been addressed but the potential of vaccinating to protect and save lives has never been greater. He reminded persons that there have been many different vaccines over the years to protect children before going to school, before visiting other countries, and for smallpox and polio that have almost been eradicated through vaccination. He said the COVID-19 vaccine is no different and will prevent people from getting sick, having severe disease or even dying. It also protects against transmission.
Webster noted that persons with non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and cancer as well as the elderly are more at risk for getting COVID-19 and getting vaccinated increases immunity and protection. He said hundreds of millions of people have been vaccinated and it has been proved in the USA and the UK that transmission is drastically reduced.
He suggested that anyone with symptoms should call the Ministry of Health and everyone should stay home and follow the regulations. He said that by vaccinating we can protect ourselves and others and go back to normal even while many countries around the world are still grappling with COVID-19.
