Sombrero Lighthouse
ANGUILLA--A child from the United States (US) who arrived in Anguilla on December 17, was tested prior to leaving the island on December 24, and was found to be positive for coronavirus COVID-19. He was part of a large group of family and friends. The test was administered on day 7 of his visit. Other members of the group were also tested and their results were negative. The child was placed in isolation, but left the island via private jet along with the rest of the family on December 27.
On the evening of December 26, a pilot from the US arrived in Anguilla and tested positive for COVID-19. He presented a negative pre-arrival COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. He was tested upon arrival as per the established protocol, and that test came back positive. He was asymptomatic, remained under quarantine/isolation for his brief layover and subsequently returned to the US via private jet on the morning of December 27.
These two cases bring the total number of confirmed cases in Anguilla to 13, with one active case currently on island. The Ministry of Health is assuring the general public that all protocols for testing, quarantine/isolation, and contact-tracing are being followed to minimise the risk of transmission. The ministry notes that as the number of COVID-19 cases continue to rise internationally, the risk continues for Anguilla to import cases.
The ministry continues to stress the importance of stringent entry testing and quarantine protocols. All persons must submit a negative COVID-19 test conducted between 3-5 days prior to arrival, be retested upon entry, and then enter quarantine until they receive a second negative test result. The public is also being reminded to practise all hygienic measures to protect themselves against the virus.
