#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.