Release Date: March 14, 2020
The Cabinet became aware on Friday, March 13th, that a passenger on BA2157 flight on Tuesday, March 10th, from United Kingdom to Antigua has tested positive for COVID-19 virus. Over eighty (80) Montserrat-bound passengers had traveled on the said flight, and are now on island.
The Health Authorities supported by the Integrated Border Security Unit and the Royal Montserrat Police Service have taken swift action, to trace and contact those passengers. The passengers contacted were given professional advice to self-isolate, along with the other members of their household.
In light of the significant health-risk posed, the National Advisory Council met to discuss the implications for Montserrat. Given the evolving public health security issues identified, Cabinet has taken the decision to immediately place a restriction on gatherings in excess of fifty persons. This restriction will be in place until Friday, April 3, 2020, and may need to be extended.
Additionally, Cabinet has advised that all schools will be closed from Monday, March 16 to April 3, 2020 and that care be exercised, when contemplating visiting the elderly at the Care Facilities.
Cabinet recognizes the upset and inconvenience that this measure will cause to both residents and visitors. In making the determination to restrict gatherings, the health and safety of the citizens and residents of Montserrat were assessed, as paramount. The public health measures to prevent, detect, manage and contain any potential outbreak of COVID-19 in Montserrat will be kept under review, and the public updated accordingly.