The Ministry of Health would like to advise the public that as at 12am on 21^st April, 2020:

THE TURKS & CAICOS CONTINUES TO RECORD ONE (1) COVID-19 DEATH.

THE TOTAL NUMBER OF CONFIRMED POSITIVE CASES REMAINS AT ELEVEN (11). HOWEVER, FOUR (4) CASES HAVE NOW OFFICIALLY RECOVERED FROM COVID-19; with two confirmed positive cases continuing to remain under hospital care.

THE NUMBER OF SUSPECTED CASES OF COVID-19 REMAINS AT FIVE (5). THE SUSPECTED CASES ARE TCI RESIDENTS EXPERIENCING RELEVANT SYMPTOMS; TWO WITH, AND THREE WITHOUT, A HISTORY OF CONTACT WITH CONFIRMED CASES. CONTACT TRACING IS UNDERWAY.

The individuals met the WHO case definition for a suspected case of COVID-19. Samples have been collected and sent for testing.

QUARANTINE/OBSERVATION NUMBERS HAVE DECREASED TO 94. This includes: The active confirmed cases (patients in the TCI that are currently infected) (5), contacts of confirmed cases (30), indirect contacts of confirmed cases (31), suspected cases (5), relatives/contacts of suspected cases (12), symptomatic persons not meeting the case definition and their contacts (11). Persons under observation/quarantine are either not displaying symptoms or have not met the case definition for COVID-19.

The decrease in quarantine/observation numbers is primarily as a result of the recovered individuals and their contacts being removed from quarantine/observation status, as well as the quarantine/observation period having expired for several individuals. A TOTAL OF 437 INDIVIDUALS HAVE BEEN RELEASED FROM QUARANTINE/OBSERVATION STATUS.

On 1^st 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. To date, the TCI has received a total of eighty-three (83) test results, with seventy-two (72) confirmed to be negative and eleven (11) 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 PUBLIC IS HEREBY REMINDED THAT LOCKDOWN MEASURES HAVE BEEN EXTENDED AND YOU ARE TO STAY AT HOME – ONLY LEAVING FOR ESSENTIAL TRAVEL UNDER THE SPECIFIED GUIDANCE.

The Ministry of Health ALSO 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.

The Ministry of Health would like to advise the public that as at 12am on 20^th April, 2020:

THE TURKS & CAICOS CONTINUES TO RECORD ONE (1) COVID-19 DEATH.

THE TOTAL NUMBER OF CONFIRMED POSITIVE CASES REMAINS AT ELEVEN (11). Two confirmed positive cases are currently under hospital care.

THE NUMBER OF SUSPECTED CASES OF COVID-19 HAS increased TO FIVE (5). THE SUSPECTED CASES ARE TCI RESIDENTS EXPERIENCING RELEVANT SYMPTOMS; TWO WITH, AND THREE WITHOUT, A HISTORY OF CONTACT WITH CONFIRMED CASES. CONTACT TRACING IS UNDERWAY.

The individuals met the WHO case definition for a suspected case of COVID-19. Samples have been collected and sent for testing.

QUARANTINE/OBSERVATION NUMBERS HAVE INCREASED TO 108. This includes: The active confirmed cases (patients in the TCI that are currently infected) (9), contacts of confirmed cases (34), indirect contacts of confirmed cases (31), suspected cases (5), relatives/contacts of suspected cases (12), symptomatic persons not meeting the case definition and their contacts (17). 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 is primarily as a result of the two new suspected cases and their contacts being placed in quarantine/observation status.

On 1^st 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. To date, the TCI has received a total of eighty-three (83) test results, with seventy-two (72) confirmed to be negative and eleven (11) 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 PUBLIC IS HEREBY REMINDED THAT LOCKDOWN MEASURES HAVE BEEN EXTENDED AND YOU ARE TO STAY AT HOME – ONLY LEAVING FOR ESSENTIAL TRAVEL UNDER THE SPECIFIED GUIDENCE.

The Ministry of Health ALSO 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.

The Ministry of Health would like to advise the public that as at 12am on 19^th April, 2020:

THE TURKS & CAICOS CONTINUES TO RECORD ONE COVID-19 DEATH.

THE TOTAL NUMBER OF CONFIRMED POSITIVE CASES REMAINS AT ELEVEN (11). Two confirmed positive cases are currently under hospital care.

HOWEVER, A PATIENT FROM THE TCI HAS BEEN CONFIRMED POSITIVE OUTSIDE OF THE COUNTRY AND EFFORTS ARE CURRENTLY UNDERWAY TO DETERMINE WHICH COUNTRY WILL OFFICIALLY REPORT THE CASE, AS TO AVOID DOUBLE COUNTING.

THE NUMBER OF SUSPECTED CASES OF COVID-19 HAS RISEN TO THREE (3). THE SUSPECTED CASES ARE TCI RESIDENTS EXPERIENCING RELEVANT SYMPTOMS; TWO WITH, AND ONE WITHOUT, A HISTORY OF CONTACT WITH CONFIRMED CASES.

The individuals met the WHO case definition for a suspected case of COVID-19. Samples have been collected and sent for testing.

QUARANTINE/OBSERVATION NUMBERS HAVE INCREASED TO 102. This includes: The active confirmed cases (patients in the TCI that are currently infected) (9), contacts of confirmed cases (34), indirect contacts of confirmed cases (31), suspected cases (3), relatives/contacts of suspected cases (8), symptomatic persons not meeting the case definition and their contacts (17). 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 is primarily as a result of contact tracing efforts, where contacts and indirect contacts of confirmed cases have increased; along with the additional suspected case and their contacts, and symptomatic persons not meeting the case definition and their contacts.

On 1^st 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. To date, the TCI has received a total of eighty-three (83) test results, with seventy-two (72) confirmed to be negative and eleven (11) 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 PUBLIC IS HEREBY REMINDED THAT LOCKDOWN MEASURES HAVE BEEN EXTENDED AND YOU ARE TO STAY AT HOME – ONLY LEAVING FOR ESSENTIAL TRAVEL UNDER THE SPECIFIED GUIDENCE.

The Ministry of Health ALSO 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.

My fellow Turks and Caicos Islanders and residents, I greet you and speak blessings and protection over you all and over these beautiful by nature Turks and Caicos Islands. God is in control, do not get discouraged, this too shall pass.

As we commence two additional weeks of curfew, I encourage all of us to adhere to the advice given by the Ministry of Health. We are in this together, remember to practice social distancing, wash your hands often with soap and water, and wear a mask especially when shopping, banking or doing other essential tasks. Let’s continue to stay at home to flatten the curve.

School was scheduled to reopen this Monday, April 20th but due to the extension of the curfew this is not possible. We continue to be guided by the advice of our officials in the Ministry of Health. As we begin two additional weeks outside of the classroom setting, we will continue to make use of online learning platforms such as Microsoft OneNote Classroom, Google Classroom, Microsoft Teams and Zoom to facilitate face to face instructional delivery and learning opportunities for students.

To our committed teachers and school administrators, without you this process would not be possible. You are our frontline workers and we cannot express how grateful we are. The Ministry commends you for driving this mandate and engaging our students in online instruction. We are mindful that this time is extremely challenging for you, and I dare say stressful, as you cope with designing engaging lessons, the psychological and emotional trauma because of COVID-19, staying in touch with your families and friends, and keeping yourself safe and active.

Please make use of the hotline services provided by the Department of Health, the Red Cross and a small team of Guidance Counsellors for coping strategies.

I use this medium to impress on our parents the significant role you will play over the next two weeks. Parents, we have a duty to you, your children and the community to ensure that there is continuous learning as we traverse through this turbulent, uncertain period. This cannot be successful unless we appreciate that it is a collaborative effort. While schools are organizing this process and are committed to continuing this mandate, it will be incumbent on you to provide the support in your home for our students, your children, to be logged on at the times they are scheduled to be connected for classes or to ensure that they complete the assigned work on the specific days. In our feedback report from schools, we were informed of challenges with internet connection and devices. The Ministry was able to finalize agreements with our two telecommunication companies and they have presented excellent packages of discounted data plans and a donation of some Mifi devices to facilitate online instruction.

Students, I can imagine that it has been very difficult for you since March 20, especially since you have had to recondition your minds from being in an environment with desks, chairs, your classmates, teachers and friends to a virtual learning environment. This required a tremendous amount of self- discipline to connect to the class sessions with your teachers and complete the assigned work with the help of your parents. This will continue to have that effect as you begin online classes as of Monday, April 20 which is the start of Term 3. This means that you are expected to return to online classes and engage with your teachers and fellow students to learn all that you can. I call on you to make the most of the learning opportunities made available to you.

I close this address with the reassurance that you are not alone. We are not alone. During this time, we must strengthen our faith experience and lean on the wisdom of the Almighty God to provide guidance and direction to our officials who make decisions on our behalf. Proverbs 3:5-6 reads

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.   In   all   your   ways acknowledge   Him, and He will make your paths straight.” God is working His purpose out, let us be vigilant in prayer and continue to trust Him to lead us through this.

We applaud you, we are here for you and we support you. Let us work together to provide a high quality educational experience for our children.

The Ministry will be providing periodic updates in the coming days.

May God continue to bless us all.

JOINT PRESS RELEASE FROM TCI HOSPITAL, TCI GOVERNMENT AND THE NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE BOARD

(Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Saturday, 18 April, 2020): The Turks and Caicos (TCI) Hospital wishes to confirm that a patient who was recently transferred back to the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) in Jamaica on April 16^th 2020 for advanced critical care later tested positive for COVID-19. 

The patient was admitted to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre for an emergency surgical re-operation, which was life-saving and required a transfer overseas for Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and other tertiary level support not currently available in the TCI. An overseas referral was therefore generated and forwarded to the TCI National Health Insurance Board. 

The overseas medical facility was contacted by the TCI National Health Insurance Board and was provided with the required clinical information on the patient. This information was reviewed, and the patient was accepted by the overseas medical facility. The same process was followed to engage the Air Ambulance companies.

The Ministry of Health in Jamaica in consultation with other relevant authorities granted the standard approval to accept the critical and time-sensitive medical transfer via the treatment abroad program (TAP). There was an obvious reason for the patient’s medical condition and the patient did not meet the case definition for suspected COVID-19 in the Turks and Caicos Islands or Jamaica. 

Based on the UHWI’s pre-screening form, there were no clinical suspicions related to COVID-19. The patient was fully isolated shortly after arrival and tested within 12 hours out of an abundance of caution. The results returned as positive for COVID-19 and all parties involved in the delivery of medical services to the patient have been notified. 

The patient remains in stable condition in the COVID-19 ICU. TCI Hospital, the TCI Ministry of Health and TCI National Health Insurance Board wishes to extend best wishes to the affected patient for a speedy recovery given the diagnosis. Due to patient confidentiality, no further details can be released. 

While medical teams across the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre and Ministry of Health continue to operate with elevated IPC precautions, the TCI Hospital in collaboration with the TCI Ministry of Health is currently reviewing the timelines leading up to the patient’s diagnosis. In addition, contact tracing was immediately activated in collaboration with the public health team to identify anyone who require screening and/or quarantine based on their risk level for exposure. 

The overwhelming majority of patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 locally and globally present with symptoms in accordance with the case definition established by the World Health Organization (WHO). However, there is increasing scientific speculation into the occurrence of atypical presentations as the global pandemic evolves. TCI Hospital continues to monitor the latest evidence-based findings related to COVID-19 case definitions, conduct risk assessments and adjust infection prevention and control (IPC) procedures accordingly.

ENDS

Special Notes:

It is a standard protocol across many health care facilities to conduct a pre-screening questionnaire and/or precautionary COVID-19 testing as a risk mitigation measure upon acceptance and/or receipt of international patients.