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Dr. Nadia Astwood:  October 15 Update from TCI’s Chief Medical Officer

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#TurksandCaicos, October 22, 2021 – The TCI is currently in a better position in relation to the pandemic than the previous time we met. As it stands, we currently have 53 active cases with 46 in Providenciales and 7 in Grand Turk with 1 hospital admission which Dr Braithwaite Tennant will expound on later.

An additional 10 (revised to 12) new cases will be reflected on today’s dashboard.

Total number of cases of COVID 19 since the onset of the epidemic: 2,910; of these 2,824 Recovered 23 persons have unfortunately passed away.  53 Active; eight individuals have died abroad; one Repatriated ; one died from other cause.  Of the active cases = three reside in GT and 50 reside in Provo.

NEW SURGE IN CASES Since July 7th 2021, we have detected a total of 485 new cases

Description: 235 or 49% are male

AGE GROUP                        CASES

0 – 9 years                           44

10 – 19                                 63

20 – 29                                 83

30 – 39                                 99

40 – 49                                 97

50 – 59                                 69

60 – 69                                 17

70 – 79                                 11

80+                                        2

Total                                      485

 

Three hundred and fifty-nine (359) of the cases or (74%) are residents.  Initially more tourists or visitors were testing positive, however more recently most new cases are in residents.

We can attribute this change to the roll out of the vaccinated visitors only policy which came into effect on 1st September 2021.

Three-hundred and three (303), (62%) of the cases since 7th July 2021 have been symptomatic.

This time around, we have noted that we have been seeing more symptomatic persons. 110 or (23%) are listed as contacts of other positive cases; 168 or (35%) are linked to international travel.

And 207 (43%) unlinked. The number of unlinked cases speaks to ongoing community spread of COVID19.

Breakthrough Cases

Breakthrough cases, which are defined as cases occurring in persons who have been fully vaccinated- have been documented in 106 persons since the beginning of the vaccination programme.

Of note, this number includes data collected on visitors who would have been vaccinated. Breakthrough infections are expected. Based on available evidence, vaccination may make illness less severe for those who are vaccinated and still get sick.

The risk of infection, hospitalization, and death are all much lower in vaccinated people compared to unvaccinated and so the message from the Ministry of Health remains the same-we encourage all eligible persons to become vaccinated.

Of these cases described earlier, only 2 have been hospitalized and there have been no deaths in vaccinated individuals.

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Successful Community Kidney Screening Events Hosted by InterHealth Canada – TCI Hospital and Ministry of Health and Human Services in Grand Turk and Salt Cay

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(Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, April 19th, 2024): – InterHealth Canada Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Human Services, is delighted to announce the successful completion of the Community Kidney Screening Events held in Grand Turk and Salt Cay. These events marked a significant milestone in promoting kidney health awareness and early detection.

On April 12, 2024, on Grand Turk (Dillon Hall) and April 13, 2024, on Salt Cay (Ministry of Health Clinic), participants had the opportunity to receive immediate screening results and personalized guidance from dedicated healthcare professionals. The collaborative effort between InterHealth Canada-Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital and the Ministry of Health and Human Services empowered individuals to prioritize their kidney health and take proactive steps towards well-being.

Reflecting on the event’s success, Dr Denise Braithwaite-Tennant, CEO of InterHealth Canada Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital, shared, “We are happy to see the positive impact of the Community Kidney Screening Events in Grand Turk and Salt Cay. By providing accessible screenings and expert guidance by our clinical teams, including our nephrologist and internist, we equip individuals with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their kidney health.”

Similarly, Dr Camelia Clarke, Director of the Health Promotion and Advocacy Unit of the Ministry of Health and Human Services, expressed her satisfaction with the outcomes, stating, “These events have showcased the importance of early detection and preventive care in maintaining optimal kidney health.”

The support of sponsors, including the TCI Boating Club, Air and Sea Agency, The Olympic Group Limited, Flow and Digicel, played a crucial role in the success of the Community Kidney Screening Events.

InterHealth-Canada Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital and the Ministry of Health and Human Services are excited to announce that a series of Kidney Community Screenings with dates for Providenciales, North and Middle Caicos, and South Caicos will be revealed soon, further extending the impact of this important initiative.

The Community Kidney Screening Events in Grand Turk and Salt Cay have set a solid foundation for ongoing efforts to prioritize kidney health and well-being within the community. Together, we are taking proactive steps towards building a healthier future for all.

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Provo Water Company Continues Efforts to Address Water Supply Issues

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PROVIDENCIALES, TCI, APRIL 30, 2024: Provo Water Company (PWC) has made significant progress in addressing recent water supply issues caused by increased water demand on Providenciales, and while ongoing projects aimed at long-term solutions are proceeding as planned, nightly water restrictions will continue through May.

This news comes as an update on the organization’s swift response to the rising water demand, which prompted the initial implementation of nightly restrictions to safeguard daily water reserves. The company is actively pursuing multiple projects, including upgrades to the city water transmission main, the main city water line valves, and the Middle Booster Pump Station,
alongside various other initiatives, to ensure long-term solutions to the supply issues.

Provo Water Company reaffirms its dedication to the residents of Turks and Caicos by continuing with a range of improvement projects aimed at innovative solutions for short and long-term distribution challenges. While diligently advancing these initiatives, the organization has determined that the nightly water restrictions remain necessary to ensure the replenishment of
daily reserves as it strives to keep these projects on track.

These restrictions will be implemented on an as-needed basis to effectively manage water consumption efficiently. If deemed necessary, the restrictions will be in effect from 11:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., optimizing conservation efforts during off-peak hours.

In response to the extension, Managing Director Robert Hall expressed apologies to customers and stakeholders in light of the extension. He reiterates his organization’s dedicated efforts to minimize the frequency of water restrictions and their eventual elimination in response to the extension.

In a statement, Hall said, “We will implement these measures only as required throughout the month of May to efficiently regulate water usage. We recognize the impact of these restrictions, and we want to assure you that we are doing our utmost to minimize inconvenience and ensure that your needs are our top priority.”

The transmission main project, which will enhance various aspects of the existing water supply network, ultimately improving water distribution across the island, is currently scheduled to be completed by mid-June 2024.

Hall concluded, “This project is pivotal in strengthening our water distribution infrastructure, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring a reliable water supply for our community. By actively working towards its completion, we remain dedicated to serving our customers with the utmost excellence, reliability, and efficiency.”

Learn more about Provo Water Company’s water efficiency and conservation initiatives by visiting www.provowater.com. Follow on social media for tips and announcements: @ProvoWaterCompany on Facebook and @provowaterco on Instagram. For inquiries, please contact the customer service team at customerservice@provowater.com.

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Dengue Getting Worst

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Rashaed Esson

Staff Writer

#Dengue#Caribbean#CentralandSouthAmerica, April 25, 2024 – New data from the Pan American Organisation(PAHO), indicates that dengue in the region may hit an all time high now over 4 million cases, a 260 percent increase from 2023 with over 1700 deaths registered since mid April. In fact, since April, reports say Brazil has reported the most cases. As a result of the surge in cases, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reissued its Level 1 Travel Health Advisory for the Americas on April 18, 2024 and the countries listed include the Turks and Caicos, Guadeloupe and French Guiana, as they have been seeing higher than usual levels of infection.

 

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