Health
Ministry of Health expands community COVID-19 screening in partnership with Private Health Care Clinics
#TurksandCaicos, October 6, 2021 – The Ministry of Health and Human Services is pleased to inform the general public that a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed with all local Private Health Care Clinics to provide free community screening for COVID-19 in their clinics using lateral flow devices (rapid antigen tests). This initiative is to increase accessibility to testing in the TCI for COVID-19 in order to gain a better understanding of COVID-19 in the community and ultimately inform public health decisions. The MOH has provided lateral flow devices for use in the private sector and will continue to support this activity on an ongoing basis. Please note that these results will not be issued for travel purposes as this initiative is for screening purposes only.
The number of COVID-19 cases in the TCI continues to decline, however, in order to build on this progress, early detection of cases is needed to prevent disease spread, coupled with the ongoing COVID-19 vaccination campaign. As the number of visitors to the Islands continue to increase, we must remain vigilant for any shift in the TCI’s COVID-19 position. 
The general public is encouraged to contact their health care provider for routine screening of COVID-19 and/or access community testing by the Primary Health Care Department which is available at no cost on a scheduled basis throughout the islands.
The public is reminded of the COVID-19 Health Protocols:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available
- Maintain social distancing of 6 feet between persons
- Wear face coverings in public settings (covering both your nose and mouth)
- Avoid mass gatherings or crowds
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or use disposable tissues
- Comply with public health measures
- If you have symptoms of COVID-19 which include; cough, sore throat, runny nose, shortness of breath, fever, diarrhea, loss of sense of taste or smell-please stay home and contact the Health Hotlines on 232 9444 or 333 0911
- Do not visit health care facilities if you have symptoms or signs of COVID-19, call the Health Hotlines for guidance unless your symptoms are severe.
- If you are under quarantine by the Public Health Team, please remain at home and comply with the guidance provided to you.
- If you are contacted by the Public Health Team as a part of contact tracing activities, please provide all of the information requested to assist them in their investigations
- Get tested on a regular basis so that you can know your status. Free testing is available across the islands. The schedule is published by the MOH on a monthly basis.
- Stay informed with the latest information from the Ministry of Health by visiting our website on https://www.gov.tc/moh/coronavirus/
Consult with your healthcare provider regarding the COVID-19 vaccine and register online;