MINISTRY OF HEALTH’S COVID-19 UPDATE #28
The Ministry of Health would like to advise the public that as at 12am on 7th April, 2020:
NO NEW DEATHS HAVE BEEN RECORDED OVER THE PAST 24hrs.
THE TOTAL CONFIRMED POSITIVE CASES REMAINS AT EIGHT (8). One confirmed positive case has passed away since confirmation and another case has since left the TCI. Proper infection prevention and control measures were utilized during this entire process.
The number of suspected cases of COVID-19 in the TCI has INCreased to FIVE (5). The new cases (2) are not persons that were in our quarantine figures. The total five suspected cases are persons experiencing relevant symptoms but no relevant travel history or pertinent contact. Two suspected cases are under hospital care.
All five persons had met the WHO case definition for a suspected case of COVID-19. Samples have been collected and sent for testing, and we are currently awaiting results.
The increase in suspected cases over the past 24hrs is as a result of persons presenting with relevant symptoms but no relevant travel history.
Persons under quarantine/observation (31)—The active confirmed cases (Confirmed positive cases in the TCI that are currently infected) (6), contacts of a confirmed case (6), the suspected cases (5), relatives/contacts of suspected cases (12), TCI residents returning from overseas (2). Persons under observation/quarantine are either not displaying symptoms or have not meet the case definition for COVID-19.
The decrease in quarantine/observation numbers is as a result of the expiration of the quarantine period for a considerable number of individuals (mainly TCI residents who returned from overseas); and the fact that a confirmed case and their relatives/contacts have left the TCI. All individuals and their contacts have been removed from quarantine status.
On 1st April, 2020 the case definition for COVID-19 was amended for TCI; a travel history is no longer needed to fit the criteria. Given the closure of the TCI borders it is likely that new case would be as a result of local transmission.
NO NEW TEST RESULTS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED SINCE THE PREVIOUS UPDATE AS AT 6th APRIL, 2020. To date, a total of sixty-one (61) test results have been received, with fifty-three (53) confirmed negative and eight (8) 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.
