Anguilla is on a government-mandated 14-day lockdown, effective at midnight April 22, due to a surge in Covid-19 cases on the island, according to Shellya Rogers-Webster, deputy director of tourism.
The airport on Anguilla and ferry services connecting Anguilla with St. Maarten/Martin are closed to incoming travelers, although travelers already on Anguilla will be allowed to leave. Tourists are restricted to the property where they are staying and cannot visit public restaurants except to collect take-out.
All people on Anguilla other than those providing essential services are required to stay home; public gatherings are prohibited; schools are closed, and restaurants and other food establishments are restricted to take-out services only.
Persons can only leave their residences to seek medical care, including vaccinations, visit the pharmacy, buy food or fuel, go to the bank or exercise for 90 minutes between 5 a.m. and 6 p.m. Masks are mandatory in public spaces.
Anguilla had 30 confirmed cases of Covid-19 as of April 20.
The Four Seasons Anguilla contacted every guest who had reservations in the two-week lockdown period. Guests were offered the option to reschedule their stay for alternative dates or to relocate to another Four Seasons property for the same set of dates. Some guests already at the property opted to extend their day, but none have left early, according to a spokesperson.
Belmond Cap Juluca has informed its guests in residence and is contacting guests who had booked their stay during this two-week period. The luxury property said it is working closely with the Anguilla health authorities to ensure guests’ safety and that of the local community.
“Belmond has a flexible booking policy in place and has advised any guests with existing bookings or booking enquiries to contact the central reservations office or their travel advisor to discuss options,” a spokesperson said.
Permanent Secretary Foster Rogers said the three new cases of Covid are of unknown origin, rather than community spread. Contact tracing is being carried out by medical teams.
Approximately 50% of the adult population have received either first or both doses of the vaccine. The island had just recently detailed its plan for allowing only visitors who are fully vaccinated, starting in July.
This report was updated April 23 with new information throughout.
