TCI News
New recovery standard for TCI; 14-days symptom free for release of COVID-19 patients
#Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – August 27, 2020 — Turks and Caicos is added to the growing list of places which are abandoning the standard that COVID-19 patient recovery is measured by two negative RT-PCR tests. Edwin Astwood, the Minister of Health on Wednesday said Cabinet has agreed to give clearance to previously positive patients after 10-days of having experienced no fever or symptoms of the coronavirus.
“The Ministry of Health has updated its standard operating procedures for recoveries and people being relieved from quarantine which is based on technical guidance received from PAHO, Public Health England, CDC, WHO and CARPHA. These new protocols for recoveries and persons being released from quarantine are now being instituted by the Ministry of Health Agriculture Sports and Human Services (and) will come into effect immediately.”
The announcement, backed up by “new and emerging science” was met with skepticism and labelled risky by some tuned into the national press conference broadcast live from the Office of the Premier in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos.
Still the world’s leading health regulators including the World Health Organization (WHO), the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) are promoting the research as a recommendation.
The WHO updated its recovery recommendation since May 27, 2020. An excerpt from its website says this:
Criteria for discharging patients from isolation (i.e., discontinuing transmission-based precautions) without requiring retesting[1]:
- For symptomatic patients: 10 days after symptom onset, plus at least 3 additional days without symptoms (including without fever [2] and without respiratory symptoms)[3]
- For asymptomatic cases[4]: 10 days after positive test for SARS-CoV-2
The WHO says there is some risk associated with this “isolation discharge criteria” and adds, “There is a minimal residual risk that transmission could occur with these non–test-based criteria.”
Among the reasons for the change is to bring relief to medical centers which need the bed space; to cut-down workload on testing centers which are overwhelmed by new and repeated testing demands; to support healthy patients with a more expeditious return to life in the ‘new normal’ and to embrace the science which says COVID-19’s dead particles are responsible for positive diagnoses long past the time a patient is infectious.
The WHO, in that June 17 brief, encourages countries that can, to continue laboratory testing. The Turks and Caicos has opted to go a new and different route which should dramatically increase the figures on recoveries.
“If a person who had recovered from COVID-19 is retested within three months of the initial infection they may continue to have a positive test result, even though they may be spreading COVID-19,” said Minister Astwood, who shared about individuals held in long isolations: “…they have been in quarantine for some 25 days, some 35 days, some 45 days and they feel well, they feel healthy and they are wondering why they have to stay this long in quarantine and the results now, the science now backs up that we can now release those persons from quarantine much earlier; 10-days and 14-days depending on symptoms and if the person is asymptomatic.”
While some may say we can trust the science, there is grave concern about whether we can trust the patient. The Ministry of Health will admittedly be relying upon patients to be honest about their state of health.
“We have to rely on persons to be honest and truthful but still they will be under the quarantine order to remain at home and if they have fever and symptoms we want them to report that, the Minister of Health continued with, “We have seen that persons have not been giving full and complete information but we have more good people out there than bad so, we know that we will get from our people here in Turks and Caicos Islands, at least 95 to 95 percent compliance with this because we have a lot of people who want to do the right thing.”
Minister Astwood’s enthusiasm is not shared by many residents. By admission, some positive patients were not forthcoming during the contact tracing phase. By widespread observation, individuals have shown a reckless tendency to shirk responsibility of self-quarantine regulations in order to get out and about.
Thousands of tests have been used up in the previous method of retesting before clearance is given. Scores of people have been waiting weeks for medical clearance to return to work because Health personnel have been unable to deliver timely follow-ups.
The Minister was optimistic that reducing this painstaking process of sequential negatives for the coronavirus will allow his team to move on to community testing, which had been waylaid by a surge in coronavirus cases.
In the past two days, 81 new cases of the coronavirus were recorded for the Turks and Caicos Islands; bringing the country’s total number of infections to 464.
The new measures will be made available online.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 26 June 2026: The Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies
(DDME) successfully hosted its Hurricane Preparedness Expo this past Friday, 19 June 2026, at the Dillon Hall in Grand Turk. Residents and visitors attending the event, took full advantage of the opportunity to learn more about hurricane preparedness while participating in exciting activities and receiving complimentary tokens.
The expo brought together several key partners and stakeholders, including the TCI Red Cross, Do it Center (Building Materials), Pelican Energy TCI, Interhealth Canada, TCI Regiment, Health Promotion and Advocacy Unit, Aged Care and Rehabilitation TCI, the Environmental Health Department, Survey and Mapping Department and the Public Works Department. These stakeholders and vendors contributed to the event’s success by sharing valuable information and products aimed at helping individuals and families prepare for the hurricane season.
Both the Director and Deputy Director for DDME addressed attendees and emphasised the importance of remaining vigilant throughout the Atlantic Hurricane Season. DDME Director, Lt. Col (Ret’d) Jason Hills stated, “Preparedness is not a one-time activity but an ongoing responsibility. We encourage everyone to take the necessary steps by staying informed and ensuring their emergency plans and supplies are up to date,” DDME Deputy Director Ms. Kevaun Lucas added that, “It only takes one storm to change lives and communities forever. That is why preparedness cannot wait until a hurricane is on our doorstep, take the time now so you will not be caught off guard later.”
DDME would like to take this opportunity to express gratitude to all vendors and persons from the Grand Turk community that attended
this event. We also express our sincere thanks to The Hon. Otis Morris and Hon. Sharon Simons for their presence and participation.
The Hurricane Preparedness Expo forms part of the DDME’s ongoing public awareness and community outreach initiatives during the Atlantic Hurricane Season. These events aim to strengthen preparedness and resilience across the country. The public is warmly encouraged to attend DDME initiatives and take an active role in hurricane preparedness.
UPCOMING CHURCH SERVICE
Sunday, 28 June 2026 • St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral, Grand Turk | 9:00 AM (New time)
OTHER UPCOMING EVENT
Saturday, 4 July 2026 • Community Hurricane Scavenger Hunt, Meeting point: Oseta Jolly Primary School, Providenciales | 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (June 26th, 2026) — The Turks and Caicos Islands is celebrating another major airlift milestone with the announcement that United Airlines will launch new nonstop service between Denver International Airport (DEN) and Howard Hamilton International Airport in Providenciales (PLS) beginning December 2026.*
The new weekly service marks a significant expansion of United Airlines’ established presence in the Turks and Caicos Islands and is the
result of extensive negotiations with the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority (TCIAA).
This announcement comes on the heels of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ successful roadshow in Denver, where the delegation, led by the Premier, Hon. Charles Washington Misick, was warmly welcomed by Governor Jared Polis, who proclaimed May 20th, 2026, as Turks and Caicos Islands Friendship Day in Colorado in recognition of the growing ties between the destination and the state.
Premier, Hon. Charles Washington Misick, said this new route will open up new opportunities for the Turks and Caicos Islands.
“This new direct service between Denver and Providenciales is tremendously exciting for the Turks and Caicos Islands. Denver is one of America’s great aviation gateways, opening convenient access to Colorado, California, and the entire western United States. Having already established strong links to the eastern and midwestern markets, we are delighted to now extend our reach to the west. We are confident this route will unlock significant opportunities for tourism, business, and investment and further strengthen our ties with the United States,” he said.
Minister of Tourism, Hon. Zhavargo Jolly, welcomed the announcement as a strong endorsement of the destination’s growing appeal and the Ministry’s continued efforts to diversify source markets and expand airlift.
“This new service between Denver and Providenciales represents another important step in expanding the global reach of the Turks and Caicos Islands. For many years, our strongest air connections have been concentrated along the East Coast and in the Midwest of the United States. Today, we continue our strategic expansion westward, creating direct access to one of North America’s most dynamic and affluent regions. This route strengthens our ability to attract visitors whose interests align naturally with the Turks and Caicos Islands’ tourism product—from luxury travel and wellness experiences to diving, outdoor adventure, and second-home ownership,” he said.
Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development, Hon. Arlington Musgrove, described the announcement as another
important step in strengthening the destination’s connectivity and competitiveness.
“This new service is the result of continued collaboration between the Government, the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority, Experience Turks and Caicos and our airline partners. Expanding air access is critical to sustaining tourism growth, and we are pleased that United Airlines continues to recognise the immense opportunity that exists here in the Turks and Caicos Islands,” the Minister said. “As part of our broader strategic vision, we have been deliberately cultivating and developing routes from the western portion of North America — a market of enormous potential — with the goal of securing greater overall air capacity into our destination.”
“We’re excited to give our customers yet another non-stop option between the Caribbean and Denver,” said Tom Kozlowski, Senior Manager of Latin, Caribbean, & Hawaii Network Planning, United Airlines. “United is the largest carrier in Denver, and this new addition will be the westernmost service from Turks and Caicos to the US, opening new tourism opportunities. We know our customers in Denver and surrounds will enjoy easier access to beautiful beaches, unique island charm, and vibrant culture in one of the Caribbean’s most sought-after destinations.”
The addition of the Denver route further strengthens the Turks and Caicos Islands’ airlift portfolio and builds on recent successes in expanding access from key and emerging markets. Experience Turks and Caicos and the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority will continue working closely with airline partners to identify opportunities for strategic growth and enhanced connectivity.
The new route will be operated by a Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft featuring 179 seats, including 20 in business class and 159 in economy.
The tentative flight schedule is below:
| Route | Start Date/Frequency | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Aircraft |
| DEN – PLS | Dec. 19, Weekly on Saturdays | 10:00 | 17:00 | Boeing 737 MAX 9 |
| PLS – DEN | Dec. 19, Weekly on Saturdays | 13:35 | 17:21 | Boeing 737 MAX 9 |
Schedule subject to change.
Customers can book flights at united.com and on the United app.
*Subject to Government approval
Deandrea Hamilton | Editor
Turks and Caicos, June 23, 2026 – A police briefing intended to update the public on crime trends in the Turks and Caicos Islands instead exposed what may be one of the most significant criminal investigations currently underway in the country.
When questioned about the June 14 shooting on Bible Street, Police Commissioner Fitz Bailey revealed that the incident stemmed from an
anti-human trafficking operation during which 12 women believed to be victims of human trafficking were rescued by law enforcement.
“The officers were engaged in an anti-human trafficking operation… 12 females were rescued or victims of human trafficking were rescued, and they are in our care and that investigation is advanced,” Bailey told reporters.
The revelation stunned many who had linked the Bible Street shooting to other recent violent incidents, including the June 12 murder in Five Cays. However, the Commissioner indicated the confrontation was connected to the anti-human trafficking investigation, though he declined to provide further details due to the sensitive nature of the ongoing case.
More than a week later, authorities continue to maintain that the investigation remains active. Magnetic Media has confirmed with police officials that no arrests have yet been made in connection with the alleged human trafficking operation.
The Commissioner also sounded the alarm over what appears to be an emerging trend involving teenage boys and serious criminal activity. In discussing recent incidents, Bailey suggested that some young offenders are operating within organized criminal networks and warned that law enforcement alone cannot solve the growing problem.
“My experience tells me that once they reach a threshold it is very difficult to bring them back,” Bailey said. “The social agencies will have to
get involved. We have to find a way to reach these unattached youth and to engage them and to create that positive reinforcement in their life.”
Despite those concerns, Bailey reported that overall crime in the Turks and Caicos Islands continues to trend sharply downward.
According to police statistics presented at the briefing, murders have fallen from 13 at this point last year to just one in 2026, representing a 92 percent reduction. Attempted murders have fallen by 100 percent, kidnappings by 75 percent, robberies by 34 percent, aggravated burglaries by 22 percent, firearm possession offences by 50 percent and incidents involving the discharge of firearms by 85 percent. Police reported that nearly every major category of serious crime has declined compared to the same period last year.
The lone murder recorded in the Turks and Caicos Islands for 2026 occurred on June 12 in Five Cays. While no arrest has been made in that case, the Commissioner indicated that investigators believe they know who is responsible.
“I am convinced and I am positive that the perpetrator is a teenager,” Bailey stated.
The press conference was held at Police Headquarters in Providenciales.
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