Chief Medical Officer Dr. Aisha Andrewin.
ANGUILLA--On the evening of Sunday, April 25, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Aisha Andrewin announced that a total of 47 persons linked to the cluster of COVID-19 identified on April 21, have tested positive.
They include 43 adults and four children, including a seven-month-old baby. A total of 722 persons have been tested, including from the school system. So far, no persons have been hospitalised, though several have reported symptoms, including fever, cough and flu-like symptoms. All cases are under isolation.
The previous day there were a total of 28 persons who tested positive. Based on the ongoing public health investigations, the Ministry of Health notes that illegal re-entry into Anguilla has emerged as the most probable source of introduction of the virus linked to this cluster.
Contact tracing and surveillance are ongoing and have now expanded to include the Orelia Kelly and Valley Primary Schools and the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School, Campus B. The current regulations in force with regard to limiting of movement of the public is geared at reducing the spread of the virus. Therefore, persons are being asked to stay in place unless absolutely necessary and to leave places of residence for essential services only.
Dr. Andrewin said, “The developments of the last couple of days are, to date, the most compelling evidence of the ongoing and significant threat of COVID-19. At the present time, vaccination against this virus is our best tool to protect our population, achieve immunity and place the island on a sound development footing going forward. The Ministry of Health is once again appealing to all eligible persons to get vaccinated as soon as possible.” The public is also being instructed to obey the current lockdown requirements including the mandatory wearing of masks when you leave home.
