Issue Date: March 19, 2020
My fellow Montserratians, residents, visitors and members of the Press.
As promised in my last statement to you, I will endeavor to update you on my Government’s actions as we work through this COVID-19 pandemic together.
By way of update, we are all aware that Montserrat has one confirmed case of COVID-19. As a result, the Government of Montserrat has shifted focus from prevention to one of detection and containment in order to prevent or minimize community transmission and spread of the disease.
The announcement of Montserrat’s first case might have caused some anxiety and that is a natural response. After all, we are dealing with many uncertainties where this virus is concerned. Therefore, I will continue to update you as to what my Government is doing.
The commitment from the UK Government to Montserrat remains strong and as stated by Baroness Sugg, Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Foreign and Commonwealth Office and DFID, the Overseas Territories is very much their priority.
In recognizing our unique situation of being both a British Overseas Territory and full members of OECS and CARICOM, the Government continues to work in an inclusive and comprehensive manner to avoid unintended duplication of efforts and resources. To this end, we are in constant communication with the United Kingdom Government and Public Health UK as well as regional partners including OECS, CARICOM, CARPHA, ECCB, so that we can continue to take the appropriate steps to minimize the threat of the virus to the country and reduce risk to citizens, residents and visitors.
Given the fluid situation around COVID-19, also, Government is in continuous dialogue with local stakeholders with the intention of further improving the COVID-19 response plan. This includes the social, economic and fiscal arrangements for dealing with this global pandemic.
Support from the UK and Regional partners include the following:
– further medical equipment and supplies (ventilators, the COVID-19 testing capability, PPE, among others);
– additional medical personnel; and
– technical advice and support for detecting, managing and containing infectious diseases and COVID-19
To provide a timeline, as Premier and Minister of Finance, I authorized the Ministry of Finance in January 2020 to immediately release funds to the Ministry of Health for the purchase of medical equipment, protective clothing and supplies in preparation for any impending COVID-19 cases as Phase I of our preparation.
Cabinet then took the early decision to invoke the Public Health Act in order to legislate the appointment of the Chief Medical Officer as Quarantine Officer.
Following that, Cabinet requested the Governor to summon a meeting of the National Advisory Council given the importation of cases within the region and the subsequent announcement of COVID-19 as a global pandemic.
We then learnt of the unfortunate British Airways 2157 flight which included 104 passengers for Montserrat and the positive COVID-19 case of an Antiguan national coming off the flight. In order to protect citizens, residents and visitors of Montserrat, Cabinet took the immediate decision to increase measures to detect and contain any potential threat to the island.
Measures included the ramping of surveillance and screening at our borders; the requirement for persons on the BA flight to report immediately to the Ministry of Health and for them and their households to remain in quarantine; closure of schools until 3rd April 2020; and the restriction of public gatherings to no more than 50 persons.
Yesterday, 18th March, Cabinet reconvened and decided the following additional measures:
– the further restriction of public gatherings from 50 to 25;
– a 14 day quarantine period for any one travelling to Montserrat;
– a reiterated prohibition of visits to public and private homes of the elderly;
– the self-isolation of elderly persons aged 70 and over with the provision for family and community members and Health authorities to provide support where necessary; and
– guidance that everyone adheres to ongoing Public Health Advice and precautions around social distancing and personal hygiene.
I want to close by reassuring the Montserrat public that your Premier, Ministers, Health Authorities, Public Service and other key stakeholders are actively monitoring the situation and will continue to make decisions on future adjustments based on risk assessments.
However, whilst we continue to do all in our power to keep you safe and healthy, we also need everyone to play their part to prevent, detect, manage, and contain the spread of this deadly disease known as COVID-19 within our community.