Health Minister Statement

#TurksandCaicos, March 29, 2022 – Good morning my fellow Turks and Caicos Islanders, residents both home and abroad, I bring to you a National Health Update.

I would like to again thank all the Health Professionals, Frontline workers, the various associations, and all those in support roles that have helped us continue with a more manageable case load which has resulted in us now being moved back to a level 3 on the CDC Health threat listing.

I commend the General Public in their role in this coming to pass. While great progress continues to be made and we move ever closer to returning to normalcy we are ever mindful that Covid-19 and its variants are still with us.

That said, At a meeting held 23 March 2022, Cabinet agreed the following: Cabinet Approved the extension of existing COVID-19 measures and protocols until 30 April 2022 and the following amendments:

1. a) Removed the requirement of obtaining written permission from the Chief Medical Officer or Chief Environmental Health Officer and written approval (permit) from the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources for any gathering or social activity (whether private or public), including on public beaches.
2. b) Amend quarantine regulations requiring persons to self-isolate for 5 days if they test positive.

I repeat, Cabinet Approved the extension of existing COVID-19 measures and protocols until 30 April 2022 and the following amendments:

1. a) Removed the requirement of obtaining written permission from the Chief Medical Officer or Chief Environmental Health Officer and written approval (permit) from the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources for any gathering or social activity (whether private or public), including on public beaches.
2. b) Amend quarantine regulations requiring persons to self-isolate for 5 days if they test positive. To be clear, the mask and face covering mandate continues to be required indoors and enclosed spaces.

Thank You.