Anguilla Lifts Restrictions on Movement for Locals

H.E. Governor Tim Foy and the Hon. Premier Victor Banks of Anguilla announced that starting Wednesday, April 29, the removal of all regulations restricting movement and gatherings. Testing has now shown that there are no active or suspected cases of COVID-19 (coronavirus) in Anguilla, and the chief medical officer advised the executive council on April 27 that these restrictions can be safely removed. 

This means that places of worship, all retail stores, hair salons and barber shops, accommodation suppliers, gyms and spas, recreational facilities, official lotteries, restaurants and bars can reopen.

The governor and premier thanked Anguillians for their support in following the restrictions while they were in place, and in bringing about the achievement. They also cautioned against becoming complacent and asked that everyone continue to practice social distancing. Environmental health officials in Anguilla will be visiting all commercial premises in the coming weeks to check compliance with established environmental health regulations, bearing in mind the importance of good basic hygiene in preventing the spread of all infectious diseases.

The governor and premier additionally noted that these or other restrictions may be re-introduced if circumstances change.

What it means for travel: Anguilla’s ports will remain closed for passenger movements until the situation outside Anguilla allows for the safe reopening to external traffic. No definitive date has yet been set, but it is unlikely to be before the end of May. A limited number of repatriation flights for foreign nationals will take place this week. These flights—all of which have been formally requested by overseas governments—will take place under the same controlled arrangements as those previously implemented. All aircraft will arrive empty, with the aircrew remaining on board to avoid any contact with ground staff.

Establishing an on-island capability to reliably test for the virus, expanding quarantine facilities and creating a phased program of returns that will match the island’s ability to test and quarantine people are the key requirements that are being addressed.

Illegal boat landings remain the greatest threat to Anguilla’s health and security. Coordinated land, sea and air patrols remain in place, and anyone attempting or assisting an illegal crossing will be arrested.

Visit www.IvisitAnguilla.com.

Related Stories

Anguilla Tourist Board Launches New Social Campaign

Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line to Resume Sailings June 13

CHTA, The Nature Conversancy Pledge Climate Action Collaboration

Aruba Creates New Digital Content for Virtual Travel