Statement by the Honourable Edwin A. Astwood, Minister of Health, on the Death of a COVID-19 Positive Patient
Turks and Caicos, April 5, 2020: It is with great sadness that I announce that a patient, from the Turks and Caicos Islands Caicos Cheshire Hall Medical Center, who tested positive for COVID19, unfortunately died last night, Saturday April 4, 2020. I offer my sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the patient, and also to the persons in the community who knew him well.
The patient was a middle age male, with a pre-existing medical condition. This is a painful reminder that although 80% of those infected will do well, those with underlying health conditions, and those in certain risk groups are more vulnerable to the disease and will suffer more severe symptoms and outcomes.
In deference to the feelings of the family, the Ministry of Health delayed the public release of this information so that the family would have ample time to receive and process this information.
While this is a sad moment for all of us, we can only imagine how difficult this must be for the family. I urge everyone to take a humanistic approach and respect patient confidentiality, and the family' s right to privacy at this time. Please allow them to mourn in peace.
I would like to thank the medical team who acted professionally, and provided the highest possible level of care to this patient, and who continues to do so for all other patients.
This sad news underscores the need to remind the public to remain calm and to conscientiously adhere to all the public health recommendations of the Ministry of Health relating to; personal hygiene, social distancing, sanitization of frequently used surfaces, quarantine measures and other advisories outlined by the Ministry.
I assure you all, that together we have the power to overcome this global health challenge. We all must do our part to prevent the spread of this virus.