Cabinet approves NEW Quarantine and Travel Entry Requirements, announced by Health Minister Robinson

By Shanieka Smith

Staff Writer

 #TurksandCaicos, December 31, 2021 – At the joint presser with the Premier and the Minister of Health this morning, Hon. Jamell Robinson announced the island’s updated entry requirements and regulations, which the Cabinet approved in a virtual meeting on Wednesday.

The Cabinet has approved the lowering of mandatory testing to two-years-old and above for visitors arriving and unvaccinated residents returning to the TCI. This will be effective on January 14, 2020.

It has also approved the extension of the existing COVID-19 measures and protocols, which will come into effect from 5 am on January 7 to February 28, 2022.

First, a permit is required for gatherings and social activities (including public beaches) of more than 50 people and up to a maximum of 500 persons. Hon. Robinson said though the maximum is 500, the ministry has the prerogative to decide any number between 50 or 500 that it will allow, given the current global circumstance.

The second measure that will be extended is the bi-weekly (every two weeks) testing of frontline staff, including the teachers. Only those who have received booster shots or have been fully vaccinated within the last three months with be exempted.

Also, Cabinet has approved amendments to the Public and Environmental Health (COVID-19 pandemic) Regulations – Power to Quarantine. These will be in effect from January 14, 2022.

The quarantine period for vaccinated persons has been reduced to seven days if the individual is asymptomatic after day five of isolation and provides two antigen tests taken 24 hours apart on days six and seven of isolation.

Close contacts and their household will still be required to quarantine for ten days after their last exposure to COVID-19. There may be a consideration for early release if individuals are asymptomatic after day five of isolation and provide a negative LFD test on day seven.

Lastly, unvaccinated people, their contacts, and households will still be required to quarantine for 14 days after the last exposure to COVID-19 if they are not medically evacuated by air ambulance.