TCI on 21-day lock down; Grand Turks streets are bare
#TurksandCaicosIslands – March 30, 2020 — The Ministry of Health would like to advise the public that as at 12 pm on 29th March, 2020: As reported in
release #18, yesterday evening the TCI recorded another confirmed positive case
(1) of the COVID-19 novel Coronavirus, bringing the total number of confirmed
positive cases to five (5). The positive case was already in quarantine and has
been informed of their test results. The Ministry of Health would like to thank the public for the calm and
understanding displayed during this public health emergency.
There was a decrease
in suspected cases, as the TCI recorded 8 suspected cases of COVID-19: The
eight suspected cases are TCI residents returning from countries with local
transmission and contacts of a confirmed case (8). All eight persons met the
WHO case definition for a suspected case of COVID-19, thus they are
experiencing symptoms. Samples have been collected and sent for testing.
The decrease in
suspected cases is due to test results received, where a suspected case has now
been confirmed positive for COVID-19.
Persons under
quarantine/observation (297)—The confirmed cases (5), contacts of a confirmed
case (13), possible contact of a confirmed case (14), the suspected cases (8), persons
under investigation for having contact with persons travelling from highly
affected countries (1), relatives/contacts of suspected cases (24), persons
travelling from highly affected countries — UK, Austria & Spain (5), TCI
residents (227). 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
over the past 24hrs was the result of contact tracing where relatives/contacts
of a suspected case were quarantined.
A total of nineten (19)
test results have been received to date, with fourteen (14) confirmed negative
and five (5) 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: COVID19@gov.tc; 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.