Joint Statement: TCI Tourist Board and Ministry of Tourism on New York’s Quarantine Requirement

#TurksandCaicosIslands – October 1, 2020 – The Ministry of Tourism, Turks and Caicos Tourist Board and our friends in the private sector including the TCHTA are following closely and with much interest the New York state executive order which mandates international travelers entering New York from CDC identified level 2 and 3 countries to quarantine for 14 days. Currently Turks and Caicos is identified as a level 3 country by the CDC.

The east coast, and particularly New York, is a major gateway for visitors to our destination. Additionally, the USA market as of 2019 accounted for 82% of air arrivals to the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Consequently, the Tourist Board and Ministry of Tourism have taken actionable steps in response to this decision. The Tourist Board, has reached out directly to New York’s Governor Andrew Cuomo’s office and the Ministry of Tourism is working closely with the Ministry of Health to address the CDC’s categorization of Turks and Caicos as a level 3 country.

The Turks and Caicos Islands has made significant progress in its efforts to minimize the spread of COVID-19. This is evident given the decrease of positive COVID-19 cases reported in recent weeks. The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands has prioritized the health and wellness of both our residents and visitors by introducing stringent public health protocols which are proving to be successful. Therefore, we will continue to engage our partners and work diligently to ensure that Turks and Caicos Islands is excluded from being subject to the quarantine order expeditiously.

In closing the Minister of Tourism Hon. Ralph Higgs stated, “Since the reopening of our borders on July 22, 2020, we have welcomed thousands of visitors, who have enjoyed the warmth and hospitality of our islands and people. And while we are confident that we can continue to do so, I urge all residents and visitors to strictly adhere to the health protocols that are currently in place to help combat this virus”.

PRESS RELEASE