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Steep spike in COVID in China, two years since Pandemic announced by WHO

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By Deandrea Hamilton

Editor

 

#China, March 12, 2022 – One hundred neighbourhoods in Shanghai, China have been labelled medium to high risk as a result of a fresh wave of COVID.  The National Health Commission reported to media that on Thursday, 1,100 new cases of the virus had been detected; it has led to the city of Changchun, in northeastern China to lockdown.

After Friday, the new infections surged to 1,500 in a country which has not seen these kinds of numbers in two years.  The figures have rattled China and its zero-Covid strategies are dashed.

The grim news came two years to the day, the World Health Organization announced that we were in a Pandemic, caused by the then newly discovered, deadly, debilitating, highly contagious SARS-CoV-2 or Coronavirus; the virus we now call Covid-19.

In Shanghai, it is said that schools have been shut, so have restaurants, theatres and other public spots in the down town area.

While the Chinese government has advised that the provinces be selective in how to manage the contagion, Changchun is taking no chances and has locked down the city, which is home to 9 million people.

Media reports inform that most of those found with Covid-19 were non symptomatic.  The large majority, said Health Officials, are vaccinated and have contracted the Omicron strain of the virus.

Delta has also been detected in many of those cases.

What has triggered this extreme measure is the sharp, sudden spike from 60 cases two weeks ago, to just over 100 cases a week ago to now, 1,100 new infections in one day. There is a high testing rate, says the National Health Commission, these results are from 17 to 30 of China’s provinces.

China reports that 87 per cent of its people are vaccinated for COVID; 40 per cent are boosted.

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Health

TCI Hospital CEO Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant Named Finalist for Caribbean Global Award

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Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

 

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – July 14, 2025 – InterHealth Canada – Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital is celebrating a major milestone, as its Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant, has been named a finalist in the Global Visionary Doctor Leader category of the Caribbean Global Awards 2025.

This recognition highlights Dr. Braithwaite-Tennant’s outstanding commitment to advancing healthcare in the Turks and Caicos Islands through transformative leadership, strategic development, and dedication to patient care. Under her guidance, the TCI Hospital has consistently raised its standards, expanded critical services, and improved community wellness outcomes.

“We are excited to share some wonderful news that brings pride to the TCI Hospital,” the institution said in a public announcement. “Dr. Braithwaite-Tennant’s visionary leadership has not only transformed our hospital facilities but has also significantly impacted the broader healthcare landscape in the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

The Caribbean Global Awards celebrate the achievements of professionals of Caribbean heritage who are making significant contributions in healthcare, innovation, and development around the world.                                                                                                                                                                         In the Global Visionary Doctor Leader category, Dr. Braithwaite-Tennant is one of five outstanding nominees. The other finalists represent the United States, Trinidad and Tobago (two nominees), and St. Lucia.

The 2025 edition of the awards will culminate with a black-tie gala on September 27 at the prestigious Cumberland Hotel in London, United Kingdom. The event will bring together leaders, professionals, and dignitaries from across the Caribbean diaspora to recognize excellence and visionary impact across sectors.

Dr. Braithwaite-Tennant’s nomination marks a proud moment not only for the hospital but for the entire Turks and Caicos Islands, positioning the territory alongside global leaders in healthcare innovation.

“We are immensely proud of Dr. Braithwaite-Tennant’s achievements and are honoured to have her at the helm of the TCI Hospital,” the hospital’s statement continued. “This nomination is a testament to her dedication to the people of these islands.”

Supporters across the territory are being encouraged to extend congratulations and follow the awards journey as Dr. Braithwaite-Tennant represents the Turks and Caicos Islands on the global stage.

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Health

Ministry Clarifies: No Suspension of Overtime in The Emergency Medical Services Department  

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PRESS RELEASE

 FROM THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

 

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 3 July 2025 – The Ministry of Health and Human Services addresses a memo currently circulating that suggests cessation of overtime within the Emergency Medical Services Department. The Ministry of Health wishes to clarify that this communication does not reflect its current policy or operational plans.

The Emergency Medical Services Department operates on a shift system that ensures that there are staff working 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and that more than one ambulance is operational.  The Ministry remains committed to supporting and strengthening emergency medical services across the Turks and Caicos Islands. In fact, the Government has recently invested in the acquisition of eight (8) new ambulances, which are expected to be distributed throughout the islands. This strategic move is part of ongoing efforts to enhance response times and ensure that individuals in need of urgent care receive assistance as quickly as possible.

Currently, there is no plan to suspend overtime for the Emergency Medical Services personnel, however, there is a plan to better manage work schedules to ensure that there is better alignment. The Ministry appreciates the hard work and dedication of all emergency staff and continues to collaborate to ensure services are provided efficiently and safely.

We encourage all staff and members of the public to refer only to official Ministry of Health communications for accurate and current information. An internal review in relation to this matter is in progress.

The Ministry of Health and Human Services remains focused on improving access to quality healthcare and ensuring the readiness of emergency services across the country.

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Health

Setting a New Standard for Caribbean Wellness Retreats

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From sunrise meditation to sunset sails, Wymara invites guests to reconnect through a holistic schedule grounded in movement, mindfulness, and place

 

Wymara is redefining the wellness resort experience in the Caribbean. With a bold focus on movement, mindfulness, nutrition, and nature, the resort pairs luxurious amenities with purposeful programming designed to reset body and mind. This season, a new daily wellness schedule deepens Wymara’s commitment, offering guests unlimited complimentary classes that encourage reconnection, restoration, and real results.

Designed around the resort’s natural rhythm, the new schedule transitions effortlessly from dynamic activity to intentional stillness. Guests can take part in Stand-Up Paddleboard Yoga in the Caribbean’s only in-ocean pool, Revitalizing Sunset Yoga, Sound Bath Meditation, HIIT Workouts, and Mat Pilates, all grounded in a philosophy of space, setting, and connection.

“We see wellness not as an amenity, but as a defining part of the Wymara experience,” says Sarinah Sari, Spa Director. “We aim to create experiences that restore, rebalance, and stay with you, long after you leave the island.”

Classes are led by a team of experienced practitioners like Deep Singh, whose background spans therapeutic yoga, Ayurvedic bodywork, and energy-based healing.                                                                                                                                                                                                          His experience includes time at acclaimed wellness retreats across the Maldives and India, reinforcing Wymara’s commitment to cultivating one of the most compelling in-house wellness teams in the Caribbean.                                                                                                                                   Private sessions are also available by request, allowing guests to personalize their wellness journey with one-on-one instruction in yoga, meditation, breathwork, and energy healing. For a more immersive approach, curated itineraries are available to align movement, nutrition, and mindfulness into a stay designed for lasting impact.

Wymara approaches wellness as a 360° experience, aligning expert-led programming, best-in-class spa treatments, and curated experiences across land and sea. The resort continues to set the pace for integrative wellbeing in Turks and Caicos through:

  • At the heart of Wymara’s spa experience are results-driven treatments by 111SKIN, the science-led luxury skincare brand. This fall, two exclusive 111SKIN treatment rooms will launch at the Villas, elevating the partnership even further.
  • Sunset Cove Beach Club, an expansive wellness destination featuring a 25-metre lap pool, full fitness centre, sauna and steam room, Jacuzzi, and courts for tennis, pickleball, basketball, and bocce.
  • Wymara’s recent Green Globe Certificationsignals its ongoing commitment to sustainability as an essential pillar of the resort’s integrative wellness ethos.
  • plant-forward culinary program, praised for its creativity and balance. Specialized vegan and vegetarian menus are integrated across restaurants, in-villa dining, and custom menus.
  • Complimentary ocean experiences, including reef snorkelling, stand-up paddleboarding, and clear-bottom kayaking, just steps from the sand.
  • Anewly launched Wymara Experience Book, featuring curated recommendations across wellness, adventure, cuisine, and culture to help guests shape their ideal stay.

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