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Health Reports: 94 per cent of new COVID cases from SCHOOL START amongst teachers and students
#TurksandCaicos, October 19, 2021 – A return to in person learning has been an indisputable plus for Turks and Caicos children and families, but it has not come without some concerning statistics amidst the ongoing pandemic. The Turks and Caicos, on Friday learned that students and teachers accounted for 213 of the 227 cases of Covid-19 detected between September 6 and October 16; that equates to 94 per cent of cases.
“We continue to see a higher proportion of cases among children when compared to time before the current surge. Since schools reopened on Sept 6th 2021, we have detected a total of 213 cases of COVID19 in the TCI. Of these, 47 (22 per cent) have been among school/nursery/kindergarten age children between the ages of 0 – 17 years. Of the 47 school aged children, 40 said they attended a local school/nursery,” said Dr. Nadia Astwood, Chief Medical Officer of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
At least four schools had to make sudden changes in how they delivered education and the pivot was pivotal.
Clement Howell High school in Providenciales reverted to a hybrid learning system after at least one teacher tested positive for Covid-19. Students were permitted some days in school, and other days out of school and joining class virtually in order to ensure physical distancing could be optimized.
Ona Glinton Primary school in Grand Turk opted to send just one class home after being PCR tested by the Ministry of Health staff. This isolated students who may have been exposed to a case linked through contact tracing, while allowing the students to still attend their classes virtually while their school mates went on with in-person learning completely uninterrupted.
In both cases, no outbreak was discovered and any threat was neutralized thanks to the easily activated back-up plans.
During a National Health Update on Friday October 15, Dr. Astwood spoke of the collaboration which continues between the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education in order to ensure school campuses are safe, but also that children are getting the best possible education.
Results on examinations for hundreds of students proved that in school, in person learning is most ideal for children. Many struggled to keep pace through the virtual platforms, others lacked the access to virtual platforms and for families which have now returned to the work field, it is critical that schools are in session on campus.
“We do work very closely with the Ministry and Department of Education. So we share information on the testing of students, we work closely with the principals of the schools so anytime there is a positive case we communicate with them, provide advice and do the testing,” said Dr. Astwood.
Mask-wearing continues to be mandatory, so is physical distancing and the ramped-up hygiene protocols.
“We continue to encourage the uptake of the vaccine amongst school aged children as another protection,” added the CMO.
The Pfizer vaccine is available to Turks and Caicos generally for first time takers, to all residents 12 years and older and a booster shot program for priority groups was rolled out in early October.
While there were education and Q&A opportunities for the education sector prior to the resumption of in person learning across the country, which in this 2021-2022 Academic Year was a first for the Turks and Caicos since the start of the pandemic, sessions continue to be held to support the school system.
“We have updated the guidelines for the schools in terms of the Covid -19 response, yesterday (October 14) the Deputy Chief Medical Officer would have held a meeting with teachers, principals and vice principals in the Ministry of Education, to go through some of those update protocols so there are trigger points on which way we go and when,” said Jamell Robinson, Minister of Health for the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The minister was addressing a media question related to what would necessitate a closure of schools or an end to in person learning amidst the ongoing, potentially deadly Cornavirus pandemic.
“The gist still is, face-to-face is better and its ideal but we don’t want to have our children in any additional adverse environments clearly, but there are guidelines in place to dictate what takes place at which school. Because it can go as far as all out shut down and changing, as well as just the shutting down of a class itself or just isolating a few
students. There is flexibility there, so it isn’t a one size fits all and it wouldn’t be a decision that’s taken across the board for schools across the country, it is more a case by case basis,” explained Minister Robinson.
The CMO reinforced the message, strongly intimating that it would take a rampant outbreak in order to alter the current plan, which she feels is working very well.
“We are trying not to disrupt education. Children have suffered around the world because of the pandemic, not being in educational settings. On line learning is not been ideal but where there have been instances where we have had to children home for online learning we have done so, but not to shut the entire schools. We have not been seeing what we have seen in other Caribbean countries, which are huge outbreaks in schools. We have been seeing sporadic cases in the schools and so the public health team has been doing the relevant contact tracing etc, but again it hasn’t been a huge spread that we are finding in the classes. And I think that speaks to the measures which are in place.”
There are around 4,500 children who make up the student population of the Turks and Caicos, according to 2020 figures. That only 47 students have been confirmed with Covid-19 is both a relief and commendable.
“We’ve been very fortunate. Most of the cases (in children) are very mild illness, sort of more cough and cold. The children that we have identified (with Covid-19) have been managed at home and none of them have needed (hospital) admission for Covid related illness but we have been watching international data, which shows that with the Delta variant, children are more likely to be hospitalised and have, you know, in some cases more serious events,” explained the CMO as she expounded on whether children have been severely impacted by the disease.
The report has been more heartbreaking for school faculty, especially in the public school system. The Education sector, in September, lost a primary school senior administrator and seasoned educator; she died of Covid-19 just weeks into the new academic year.
Parents continue to be advised to keep their children home if they are experiencing cold or flu like symptoms.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (March 5, 2026) – As the Turks and Caicos sporting community celebrates the spirit of
youth athleticism, leading telecoms provider, Flow is highlighting the transformative power of connectivity following the successful conclusion of the 2026 Inter-High Track and Field Championships held at the Turks and Caicos Islands National Stadium from February 26 to 28.
As the Official Media Sponsor for the event, Flow provided livestreaming services that premiered across social media and on Flow TV’s Channel 111. This ensured that families and fans throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands could witness every record-breaking moment. To keep the event running at top speed, Flow also provided broadband services throughout the venue, maintaining seamless connectivity throughout the games.
“Our long-standing partnership with the Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission is a shared promise to invest in the next generation. Over the years we have worked together to create opportunities for young people to train, compete and grow,” said Joanne Missick, Country
Manager, Flow Turks and Caicos Islands.
“We make this investment because sport develops more than athletes. It’s a long-term investment for us in our people, pride and possibility, and it’s a partnership we hold close because advancing our youth advances the entire nation.”
The commitment to the Games extended directly to the track, where Flow served as the headline sponsor for the 200-meter category. Spanning seven races, the partnership culminated during the official medal ceremony with the company presenting winners with Flow merchandise bags.
Off the track, Flow mobilised engagement through the interactive sales booth. The site became a hub for activity, featuring Spin the Wheel promotions and gift certificate giveaways during Q&A intermissions, ensuring the energy of the crowd remained high.
Looking ahead, Flow is preparing to carry this momentum into the upcoming Inter-Primary Track and Field Championships, continuing its investment in the next generation of sporting talent in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey has been recognised for his contribution to national security and the tourism industry, receiving the Distinguished Civic Service Award at the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association’s Star Awards held on February 19, 2026 at Beaches Turks and Caicos.
The annual awards ceremony is the premier recognition event for the territory’s hospitality sector, bringing together industry leaders,
executives and frontline professionals to celebrate excellence and the individuals whose work strengthens the destination’s global reputation.
Commissioner Bailey was honoured for his strategic leadership in the fight against crime and the measurable reductions in major offences, efforts widely credited with improving public confidence and reinforcing the Turks and Caicos Islands’ standing as a safe and competitive tourism jurisdiction.
In accepting the award, the Commissioner dedicated the recognition to the officers and staff of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, praising their commitment and professionalism in what he described as a collective national effort to make the islands more secure.
The TCHTA Star Awards spotlight the link between public safety and tourism performance, acknowledging that a stable and safe environment is essential to visitor confidence, investment and the continued growth of the sector.
This year’s ceremony featured high-energy hosting by Super P the Entertainer, with Omega serving as awards announcer, as the industry gathered to honour the people and partnerships that continue to elevate the Turks and Caicos brand.
(Providenciales – Monday, March 2, 2026) TCI Hospital proudly announces the successful achievement of its Heart Strong TCI initiative, a comprehensive Heart Month campaign focused on raising awareness and strengthening cardiovascular disease prevention efforts across the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the Turks and Caicos Islands, highlighting the critical need for sustained public education, risk-factor reduction, and early intervention. The Heart Strong TCI initiative was designed to actively engage the community through education, outreach, and physical activity.
Key Activities Included:
Educational Training Sessions
Healthcare professionals conducted structured sessions addressing hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol management, nutrition, exercise, smoking cessation, and the early warning signs of heart disease.
House Call Talk Show Feature
A dedicated Heart Month episode of the hospital’s House Call program provided expert discussion on cardiovascular risk factors and prevention strategies, empowering viewers with practical, evidence-based guidance.
Red Fridays Awareness Campaign
Throughout the month, staff wore red every Friday to increase visibility around heart disease awareness and reinforce the campaign’s message within the community.
Heart Strong 5K Walk/Run
In collaboration with the Rotary Club, TCI Hospital hosted a community-wide 5K walk/run to promote physical activity as a cornerstone of
heart health. The walk/run also provided an opportunity for community screening.
Digital Health Education Campaign
To expand its reach, TCI Hospital also shared ongoing heart health education tips and prevention messages across its social media platforms, including Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. These posts provided actionable guidance on diet, exercise, blood pressure control, and lifestyle modification, and encouraging community members to learn CPR.
Heart Strong TCI: A Continuous Commitment
While Heart Month has officially ended, Heart Strong TCI represents an ongoing institutional commitment to cardiovascular disease prevention and awareness. TCI Hospital will continue to prioritize:
- Community-based education initiatives
- Preventative screening and early detection programs
- Lifestyle and wellness promotion
- Strategic partnerships that advance public health outcomes
“Heart Strong TCI is not limited to a single month,” CEO, Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant. “Cardiovascular disease prevention requires sustained effort. We remain committed to promoting healthy hearts across the Turks and Caicos Islands year-round.”
For more information about cardiovascular health services or upcoming screening initiatives, please contact TCI Hospital at 649-941-2800 in Providenciales, 649-941-2900 in Grand Turk or email us at info@interhealthcanada.tc
About TCI Hospital
TCI Hospital is dedicated to delivering high-quality healthcare services to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, with a strong emphasis on prevention, education, and community wellness.
