EXTENSION OF EXISTING COVID-19 MEASURES AND PROTOCOLS

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

#TurksandCaicos, January 15, 2022 – The Executive Government (Cabinet) wishes to advise the general public that all Regulations that were due to come into force on 14th January 2022 has now been revised for 21st January 2022. These are specifically in reference to the following:

1. Public and Environmental Health Regulations (Amendments) 2022

2. Arriving Passengers Health Clearance (Amendments) 2022

In response to recent trends that show an increase in COVID-19 numbers here in the TCI, the Government through the Ministry of Health and Human Services is implementing measures that will help blunt transmission and prevent overwhelming hospitalizations.

Some of these COVID-19 measures and protocols came into effect on Friday, January 7, and the others will become active on 05:00 (5am) Friday 14 January 2022 and unless otherwise stated will remain in effect until 28 February 2022.

Based on the trajectory of the pandemic, the levels of vaccination in the country and the available capacity within the health sector, Cabinet has decided to make the following changes.

Approved policy for the voluntary vaccination of children aged 5-11 years against COVID-19 in line with UK JCVI (Joint Commission on Vaccination and Immunization) guidelines and in response to an increase in positive cases recorded in TCI among children. Plans are being developed to source the approved dosages for children.

:

1. Social gatherings and social activities, including public beaches, of more than 50 persons shall require a permit.
3. Bi-weekly testing of front-line staff to include teachers with an exemption of those that received their booster shot or who became fully vaccinated within the last 3 months.

:

1. Only patrons who are fully vaccinated or have a negative Covid-19 test within 24 hours are permitted to enter restaurants, bars, nightclubs, discotheques and attend religious events and funerals. Regulation applies to those 12 years of age and above.
2. Approved amendments to the Arriving Passengers Health Clearance Regulations with the lowering of mandatory testing to persons two years old and above for arriving visitors and residents returning to the TCI.

Additionally, to avoid learners losing school time, the Government has re-implemented its online learning platform. Parents are encouraged to have their children vaccinated.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor and Head of the Civil Service has advised that the Public Service Business Continuity Plan has been implemented as an option to help to slow the spread of the highly contagious Omicron variant.

The Ministry of Health and Human Services encourages everyone to follow all public measures and get vaccinated with your first, second or booster shot if you have not done so already. The public is also reminded that the wearing of masks in public places is still mandatory, and failure to wear a mask when required remains a criminal offence.

Note, some of the new regulations are delayed to January 21, 2022 start date.