Anguilla: Officials extend the closure of all ports of entry through Jan. 23 due to coronavirus; highly regulated entry permitted for all travelers /update 9

Anguilla extends the closure of all ports of entry through Jan. 23 due to COVID-19; highly regulated entry is permitted for all travelers.

Event

As part of ongoing efforts to limit the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), authorities in Anguilla have extended the closure of all ports of entry to most nonresident foreign nationals through at least Jan. 23. However, officials are permitting exceptions for some international travelers who apply for entry and undergo pre-approval. Cargo transportation, medical emergencies and evacuations, and departures are not included in the ban.

As of Dec. 10, authorities in Anguilla have amended the entry requirements for all citizens and legal residents following the end of the territory's repatriation program. Along with nonresident foreign nationals, returning citizens and residents must apply for entry into Anguilla; however, authorization is highly regulated. Anguillans and residents are allowed to quarantine on their own property; however, the quarantined property must be inspected and approved by officials prior to self-isolation. All pre-approved travelers from high and low-risk countries, as well as short-term business travelers (less than five days), are subject to the following entry and quarantine requirements:

Travelers must present a negative COVID-19 test taken no fewer than three and no more than five days prior to arrival.
Travelers must present proof of medical insurance that covers the cost of COVID-19 related treatment for 30 days.
Travelers from low-risk countries will be subject to a 10-day mandatory quarantine at a government-approved location, while travelers from high-risk countries must quarantine for 14 days. On the tenth day, travelers will be retested for COVID-19. There are no quarantine requirements for short-term business travelers.
Travelers will be subject to mandatory COVID-19 testing on arrival, at the end of the quarantine period, or at any stage during the quarantine.

Internal restrictions on businesses and gatherings were previously lifted. Nonetheless, the government has urged the public to continue adopting social distancing and hygiene practices. Businesses, facilities, and institutions are encouraged to enforce sanitation protocols. Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice, depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.