MINISTRY OF HEALTH’S COVID-19 UPDATE #33
The Ministry of Health would like to advise the public that as at 12am on 12th April, 2020:
THE TCI CONTINUES TO RECORD NO NEW COVID-19 DEATHS SINCE THE LAST UPDATE AS AT 11th APRIL, 2020.
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF CONFIRMED POSITIVE CASES REMAINS AT NINE (9). One confirmed positive case is currently under hospital care, another case has passed away since confirmation and one case has since left the TCI. Proper infection prevention and control measures were utilized during this entire process.
The number of suspected cases of COVID-19 in the TCI HAS INCREASED TO ELEVEN (11). THE INCREASE IN SUSPECTED CASES IS AS A RESULT OF ADDITIONAL INDIVIDUALS, NOT PREVIOUSLY IN QUARANTINE/OBSERVATION, EXPERIENCING RELEVANT SYMPTOMS WITH NO RECENT TRAVEL HISTORY. All suspected cases are persons (TCI residents and visitors) experiencing relevant symptoms but with no recent travel history or pertinent contact. One suspected case is currently under hospital care.
All persons met the WHO case definition for a suspected case of COVID-19. Samples have been collected and sent for testing, and we are currently awaiting results.
QUARANTINE/OBSERVATION NUMBERS HAVE INCREASED TO 69. This includes: The active confirmed cases (patients in the TCI that are currently infected) (7), contacts of confirmed cases (10), the suspected cases (11), persons under investigation (1), relatives/contacts of suspected cases/persons under investigation (38), and TCI residents returning from overseas (2). Persons under observation/quarantine are either not displaying symptoms or have not meet the case definition for COVID-19.
The change in quarantine/observation numbers is as a result of test results received, confirming individuals were negative for COVID-19 – those individuals and their contacts were removed from quarantine status; and additional suspected cases and their contacts placed in quarantine/observation status.
On 1st April, 2020 the case definition for COVID-19 was amended for TCI; a travel history is no longer needed to fit the criteria. Given the closure of the TCI borders it is likely that new case would be as a result of local transmission.
OVER THE PAST 24hrs, SIX (6) TEST RESULTS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED. ALL INDIVIDUALS WERE CONFIRMED NEGATIVE FOR COVID-19. To date, a total of sixty-eight (68) test results have been received, with fifty-three (59) confirmed to be negative and eight (9) positive confirmations. Persons confirmed not to have COVID-19, and their contacts, were moved from quarantined status and asked to continue following proper guidelines from the Ministry of Health. Those cases confirmed positive are in isolation with contact tracing aggressively continuing.
The Ministry of Health takes this opportunity to remind the public of offenses committed under section 18 of the Emergency Powers (COVID-19) Regulations 2020 in regard to false Statements/information. You do not have to be the originator of the statement/information in order to be charged under the law.
Please note the following definitions:
- A suspected person is someone who meets the case definition as outlined by WHO and CARPHA - and is experiencing symptoms.
- A person in quarantine is an individual on island who has come from infected country(ies) or may have come in proximity to suspected or confirmed cases - and have not exhibited symptoms.
Let's continue to reduce the risk by: 1. Washing our hands for 20secs or more 2. Practicing social distancing 3. Prepare your home, office and other surroundings by following the advice of the Ministry of Health and other credible health agencies.
For more information, please visit the Ministry of Health website, www.gov.tc/moh/coronavirus; email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; or call our hotline numbers, (649) 232-9444 and (649) 333-0911, if you or someone you know has symptoms or signs of COVID-19.
