MINISTRY OF HEALTH'S COVID-19 UPDATE #321

The Ministry of Health advises the public that as at 12am on 25th January 2021:

Except in the case of emergencies, the National Public Health Laboratory currently operates a 6-day work week to allow for appropriate deep cleaning and other preparatory work to be done on Sundays. As such, regular activities are minimized or suspended during weekends to allow for such processes to be completed.

Taking into consideration the above, the Turks & Caicos Islands has seen no changes in its COVID-19 position over the past 24hrs. no new cases of covid-19 have been identified. The number of active confirmed cases in the TCI remains two hundred and eighty-one (281). No (0) confirmed case continues to be under hospital care. The Public Health Team continues to implement aggressive contact tracing and control measures in relation to all active cases.

Two (20 new recoveries have been recorded bringing the total number of recoveries to one thousand (1000), with total confirmed positive cases identified in the TCI to date at one thousand two hundred and eighty-seven (1287). No new covid-19 related deaths have been recorded. total number of covid-19 related deaths stands at seven (7).

No new test results have been recorded by the National Public Health Laboratory. To date, the TCI has recorded a total of Thirteen thousand two hundred and eighty-nine (13,289) test results, with Twelve thousand and two (12,002) confirmed to be negative and twelve hundred and eighty-seven (1287) 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.

The number of persons in quarantine/observation has increased to 830. This includes: Confirmed cases (279), primary and secondary contacts of confirmed cases (551) – No (0) persons are quarantined in a government facility. Persons under observation/quarantine, that are not confirmed or suspected cases, are either not displaying symptoms or have not met the case definition.

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. .#iwilltakethevaccine