#TurksandCaicosIslands – April 10, 2020 — The Ministry of Health would like to advise the public that as at 12am on 9th April, 2020:
THE TCI HAS NOT RECORDED ANY NEW COVID-19 DEATHS.
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 RISEN SLIGHTLY TO EIGHT (8). The eight suspected cases are persons (seven residents and one visitor) experiencing relevant symptoms but with no recent travel history or pertinent contact. Two suspected cases are under hospital care.
All persons 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.
QUARANTINE/OBSERVATION NUMBERS HAVE INCREASED TO 48. This includes: The active confirmed cases (patients in the TCI that are currently infected) (6), contacts of a confirmed case (6), the suspected cases (8), persons under investigation (4), relatives/contacts of suspected cases/persons under investigation (22), and 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.
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 8th 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: 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.
