MINISTRY OF HEALTH’S COVID-19 UPDATE #18b
The Ministry of Health would like to advise the public that as at 12pm on 29th March, 2020:
As reported in release #18, yesterday evening the TCI recorded another confirmed positive case (1) of the COVID-19 novel Coronavirus, bringing the total number of confirmed positive cases to five (5). The positive case was already in quarantine and has been informed of their test results. The Ministry of Health would like to thank the public for the calm and understanding displayed during this public health emergency.
There was a decrease in suspected cases, as the TCI recorded 8 suspected cases of COVID-19: The eight suspected cases are TCI residents returning from countries with local transmission and contacts of a confirmed case (8). All eight persons met the WHO case definition for a suspected case of COVID-19, thus they are experiencing symptoms. Samples have been collected and sent for testing.
The decrease in suspected cases is due to test results received, where a suspected case has now been confirmed positive for COVID-19.
Persons under quarantine/observation (297)—The confirmed cases (5), contacts of a confirmed case (13), possible contact of a confirmed case (14), the suspected cases (8), persons under investigation for having contact with persons travelling from highly affected countries (1), relatives/contacts of suspected cases (24), persons travelling from highly affected countries — UK, Austria & Spain (5), TCI residents (227). Persons under observation/quarantine are either not displaying symptoms or have not meet the case definition for COVID-19.
The increase in quarantine/observation numbers over the past 24hrs was the result of contact tracing where relatives/contacts of a suspected case were quarantined.
A total of sixteen (19) test results have been received to date, with fourteen (14) confirmed negative and five (5) 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.
