The Ministry of Health would like to advise the public that as
at 12am on 5th April, 2020:
REGRETABLY, THE TCI HAS TODAY RECORDED ITS FIRST COVID-19 DEATH. The individual was a middle-aged male with a pre-existing condition. Details of this were given in an earlier joint press release.
NEW TEST RESULTS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED, AND TCI CONTINUES TO RECORD
NO NEW POSITIVE CASES SINCE OUR UPDATE AS AT 4th APRIL, 2020.
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.
The number of suspected cases of COVID-19 in the TCI
has increased slightly to thirteen (13): The thirteen
suspected cases are TCI residents returning from countries with local
transmission, contacts of a confirmed case, persons presenting with severe
acute respiratory infection (SARI), and persons experiencing relevant symptoms
but no travel history. Three suspected cases are now under hospital care and
one suspected case passed away on 3rd April, 2020.
All thirteen persons had
met the WHO case definition for a suspected case of COVID-19, and those
currently in quarantine/observation are experiencing symptoms. 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 an individual who is experiencing
relevant symptoms but has no recent travel history – contact tracing is underway.
Persons under
quarantine/observation (140)—The confirmed cases (4), contacts of a confirmed
case (17), possible contacts of a confirmed case (10), the suspected cases (12),
symptomatic person/s under investigation (1), relatives/contacts of suspected
cases or persons under investigation (24), persons travelling from highly affected
countries (2), TCI residents (70). 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
new test results received confirming individuals (TCI Hospital staff) are
negative for COVID-19. All individuals and their contacts have been removed
from quarantine status.
Recently-tested staff members of the TCI hospital have
consistently been included in COVID-19 statistics, suspected and quarantine
figures. All 21 healthcare workers were tested, those suspected and
quarantined, to ensure the safety of our valued healthcare workers and
patients.
TWENTY-ONE
NEW TEST RSULTS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED – ALL RESULTS ARE NEGATIVE. To date,
a total of forty-eight (48) test results have been received, with forty-three (43)
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.