COVID-19 pandemic in Antigua and Barbuda


The COVID-19 pandemic in Antigua and Barbuda is part of the ongoing viral pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019, which was confirmed to have reached Antigua and Barbuda in March 2020.

Background

On 12 January 2020, the World Health Organization confirmed that a novel coronavirus was the cause of a respiratory illness in a cluster of people in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, which was reported to the WHO on 31 December 2019.
The case fatality ratio for COVID-19 has been much lower than SARS of 2003, but the transmission has been significantly greater, with a significant total death toll.

Timeline

March 2020

On 13 March 2020, Prime Minister Gaston Browne announced Antigua and Barbuda's first confirmed COVID-19 case.
Browne said the patient started presenting symptoms on March 11. The woman visited a private hospital where medical officials took samples that were sent to the Caribbean Public Health Agency lab in Trinidad for testing. Browne assured that “no stone will be left unturned” as he noted health officials are tracking down anyone she may have met. He revealed Antigua's sole quarantine facility will be up and running next week and testing equipment will arrive shortly after. The Prime Minister has called on citizens to take precautionary measures such as hand washing, avoiding close physical contact and avoiding large groups. “We must never panic but must work collectively with confidence and faith. I remain confident that with our collective efforts and with the help of God, we shall surmount the challenges of COVID-19 and this too shall pass." Browne also advised citizens that another suspected case of COVID-19 returned negative.
No cases have been reported in Barbuda.

April 2020

May 2020