MINISTRY OF HEALTH’S COVID-19 UPDATE #9

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The Ministry of Health would like to advise the public that as at 12pm on 21th March, 2020:

The TCI had 4 suspected cases of COVID-19: First, tourist visiting the country (1). The other three suspected cases are TCI residents returning from countries with local transmission (3). All 4 persons met the WHO case definition for a suspected case of COVID-19, thus they are experiencing symptoms. Results from 2 previously suspected cases have returned and are negative, 1 person has been added as a suspected case. Samples have been collected and sent for testing.

Persons under quarantine/observation—The suspected cases (4), persons under investigation for having contact with persons travelling from highly affected countries (2), relatives/contacts of suspected cases (24), persons travelling from a highly affected countries — UK, Italy, Austria & Spain (6), TCI residents (16). Persons under observation/quarantine are all not displaying symptoms or have not meet the case definition for COVID-19.

The increase in the number of persons under quarantine/observation, as compared to yesterday, is predominately due to TCI residents returning from countries with local transmission, and contact tracing investigations which revealed greater numbers of contacts of the suspected cases.

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.