Launched by Anguilla Ministry of Health & Social Development in March, beatcovid19.ai is a central online platform for the Anguillian response to COVID-19.
It been hailed as a model example by global scientific organisation.
Beyond health-related concerns, the site features updates from the Ministry of Tourism on travel in and out of Anguilla, the Department of Education on the status of all learning institutions, the Financial Institutions, on the latest financial relief measures and other major stakeholders that serve large segments of the population including functionality for individuals to apply for funding. It provides the government with key data on the impact of COVID-19 on the island?s working population and their needs.
Anguilla has been praised for the positive tone of the messaging and the responsiveness of both the Government and Private Sector teams involved, hailing it as a ?model response for island nations around the world?. In recognition of Anguilla?s extraordinary and effective success in mitigating and containing the spread of the deadly virus, March for Science invited several representatives from Anguilla to participate in two of their international forums this week timed to coincide with Earth Day.
Anguilla is one of only seven countries in the world that has not reported a new COVID-19 case within the last fourteen days. Of three confirmed cases on island since the outbreak of the pandemic, one is now confirmed recovered. The island first instigated a ban on all passenger movement on and off island on 20th March along with ?stay at home? social distancing guidelines, and a ban on all boats in Anguillian waters aside from specific exemptions until May 12.
In addition to government-led activities, the island?s strong community has already seen over $50,000 raised by a group of private donors in order to support healthcare services with the procurement of additional PPE and medical equipment.
Ira Bloom and wife Bonnie are amongst the founding donors. Ira, who runs ?NI Private Resorts on the island said: ?Our previous experience in helping the community with hurricane relief told us how important it is to move quickly and we?re pleased that the first equipment has already arrived. We are continuing to raise funds and source additional items the hospital is requesting.?
As of April 22, government offices resumed functioning and childminding facilities have been permitted to reopen along with non-essential businesses including finance and insurance companies, law offices and shops selling IT and stationery supplies. Meanwhile, all borders remain closed and other regulations regarding non-essential movement remain in place until further notice.
Pic credit: Pete Markham/Flickr