Confirmed COVID-19 Inpatient at TCI Hospital

JOINT PRESS RELEASE FROM TCI HOSPITAL AND TCI GOVERNMENT

(Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 10 April, 2020): The Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital wishes to advise the general public that a patient who was recently admitted and under clinical management and isolation at Cheshire Hall Medical Centre has tested positive for COVID-19.

The male resident in his 30’s was admitted to the facility on April 3rd 2020 with severe acute respiratory infection and has no co-morbidities. He also had no recent travel history. The inpatient was transported to the emergency department via ambulance on the date of admission using established protocols.

The male met the case definition of COVID-19 and was classified as a suspected case. A sample was collected and tested. Strict infection prevention and containment procedures continue to be enforced across the medical centre and were followed as a precaution in this case.

The now confirmed COVID-19 male remains in stable condition and is receiving supportive clinical care. He has been notified and is the only confirmed COVID-19 patient currently under clinical management and isolation at the facility. TCI Hospital and the Ministry of Health continue to provide support and guidance to the relatives of the affected person given the diagnosis. Due to patient confidentiality, no further details can be released.

The positive test result will be reflected in the April 11th 2020 TCI COVID-19 National Dashboard. Pending the receipt of any other case test results over the next 24 hours, the number of suspected cases will decrease by one (1) and the number of confirmed/positive test results will increase by one (1) due to this specific case.

The Turks and Caicos Islands Government - Ministry of Health Team commenced immediate contact tracing and persons identified in the process are required to undergo screening and quarantine as deemed necessary and as a risk mitigation measure.

Persons are reminded to contact the Ministry of Health hotlines if they are experiencing a cough, fever and/or shortness of breath via 649 333 0911 or 649 232 9444 for screening and guidance.