#TurksandCaicos, February 9, 2021 – The weekly trend of new Covid-19 cases in the Turks and Caicos Islands points to a frightening likelihood that the number of infections will explode and ahead of what could be a catastrophic shock to public health, the Government is cutting days short with the earliest curfew yet.
“We’re experiencing a
distressing increase in the trend of cases being experience in the TCI.
What has been worrisome
this time around is that the number of cases being detected from one day to the
next, has surpassed what was seen over the Summer months.
There is no indication
that we have seen the peak, so it is likely that the high numbers will
continue,” said Dr. Shandey Malcolm, National Epidemiologist with the Ministry
of Health.
The curfew daily curfew
is from 6pm to 6am and begins today, February 9.
So far in 2021, the
Turks and Caicos recorded its largest single-day leap in new infections; 75
positives were charted on January 26.
And the record-setting positives for the virus continued to be found.
The surge over the past
four weeks has been more dangerous, with more deaths and more hospitalisations.
Week one; there were 84
detections of the coronavirus.
Week two; surged to 111
positives for COVID.
Week three; a record
183 new patients were added to the chart in an unwelcomed boom.
Week four, climbed
again by 34 more positive diagnoses over the previous seven days; the Turks and
Caicos charted 217 cases.
The figure not only
broke records but roped-in islands including Middle Caicos and Ambergris Cay
which are both experiencing the coronavirus for the first time.
“Nobody, nowhere is
safe. It could be your family, it could
be your co-worker, it could be your significant other, it could be your very
close friend that affects you,” said Dr. Jeremy Myers, Acting Chief Medical
Officer in the Ministry of Health during a national press conference on Monday.
“Covid-19 is with us
and best believe that it is surely not showing any indication of going anywhere
soon,” Dr. Meyers warned, “We are in a very delicate position that could easily
erupt in a catastrophic situation.”
While the country was
today also pleased to announce there are 6,433 people who have taken the first
dose of the Covid-19 vaccine; it was tempered by the fact that 1,695 cases
including nine deaths have been recorded for the UK overseas territory of under
40,000 people.
