MINISTRY OF HEALTH’S COVID-19 UPDATE #172

Due to the need for the Public Health Team to prioritize other important work in the interest of public health and safety, at this time the Ministry of Health will not be providing its usual full COVID-19 update with accompanying dashboard. We will be providing a slightly reduced update, and the full update and dashboard will be provided tomorrow. We apologize for any inconvenience caused.

the Turks & Caicos Islands has seen an increase of covid-19 cases, with fifteen (15) new cases recorded since the previous update. one (1) new case was recorded in North Caicos, two (2) new cases in Grand Turk and the other twelve (12) new cases located in Providenciales.

two (2) confirmed cases continue to be under hospital care. total confirmed positive cases identified in the TCI to date now stands at five hundred and five (505). No new covid-19 related deaths have been recorded since the previous update, and the total number of covid-19 related deaths stands at three (3). The Public Health Team continues to implement aggressive contact tracing and control measures in relation to all active cases.

Fifty-eight (58) new test results have been recorded by the National Public Health Laboratory over the past 24hrs. these Results confirmed fifteen (15) indivduals positive and forty-three (43) negative for covid-19. To date, the TCI has recorded a total of two thousand four hundred and twenty-five (2425) test results, with one thousand nine hundred and twenty (1920) confirmed to be negative and five hundred and five (505) positive confirmations. All persons confirmed not to have COVID-19, and any contacts, (if quarantined, will be removed from quarantine/observation status) are asked to continue following proper guidelines from the Ministry of Health.

Local testing is being conducted for persons in a range of categories, according to the national testing strategy. This includes frontline workers and those who may need to travel for treatment abroad. These persons would not be reflected in quarantine numbers.

The public is strongly urged to follow all health advice and guidelines from the Ministry, especially as we progress with the phased reopening.

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 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. Wearing of masks required in public.
3. Practicing social distancing.
4. Prepare your home, office and other surroundings by following the advice of the Ministry of Health and other credible health agencies.
5. Cover your coughs and sneezes (use your elbow or a tissue which should be properly disposed of).
6. Keep frequently touched surfaces clean e.g. tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets and sinks.
7. Protect those who are vulnerable in the community such as the elderly or those with underlying health conditions.
8. Do not discriminate against persons who have or are suspected of having COVID-19.

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.