Health
HEALTH ADVISORY: PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES AGAINST RESPIRATORY AND GASTROINTESTINAL INFECTIONS
Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 10 January 2025: The Ministry of Health and Human Services is issuing a public health advisory to raise awareness about the increasing prevalence of respiratory and gastrointestinal infections during this season, both locally and internationally. Seasonal increases in these infections are anticipated. The Ministry encourages the public to adopt preventative measures to protect themselves and others, particularly vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and individuals with underlying health conditions.
Respiratory infections, such as the common cold, influenza, COVID-19, and Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), are primarily transmitted through droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Symptoms may include fever, cough, sore throat, and shortness of breath.
The Ministry is closely monitoring the situation with Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), a respiratory virus increasingly detected in some regions. While it often causes mild symptoms, it can lead to severe respiratory illness in children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
To date, no cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) have been detected in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The Ministry remains vigilant and continues to monitor the situation.
To minimise the risk of respiratory infections, the public is advised to:
- Practice Good Hygiene: Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap is unavailable.
- Avoid Close Contact with Sick Individuals: Maintain distance from people who are unwell to minimize exposure to respiratory droplets.
- Disinfect Frequently-Touched Surfaces: Regularly clean surfaces such as doorknobs, countertops, and mobile devices with disinfectant.
- Wear Masks: Use a mask in crowded or enclosed spaces, especially if experiencing respiratory symptoms.
- Cover Coughs and Sneezes: Use a tissue or your elbow to cover your mouth and nose. Dispose of tissues properly and wash hands immediately.
- Stay Home if Sick: Avoid public spaces to reduce the risk of spreading infections to others.
- Get Vaccinated: Ensure vaccinations, including the flu shot and COVID-19 booster, are up-to-date. These vaccines are available for free at Primary Health Care Clinics across the country.
Gastrointestinal infections, often caused by viruses, bacteria, or contaminated food and water, can result in symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and fever.
Preventative measures include:
- Practice Safe Food Handling: Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly. Cook meat to the recommended temperature and avoid consuming raw or undercooked foods.
- Drink Safe Water: Use bottled or boiled water if the safety of the water supply is uncertain.
- Wash Hands: Hand hygiene is critical after using the restroom and before eating or preparing food.
- Disinfect Surfaces: Regularly clean food preparation areas to prevent contamination.
- Stay Hydrated: If symptoms of diarrhea or vomiting occur, drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
If symptoms of respiratory or gastrointestinal infections are severe or persist beyond a few days, individuals should seek medical care immediately. Signs of concern include high fever, difficulty breathing, severe abdominal pain, or signs of dehydration such as dizziness, reduced urination, or extreme fatigue.
The Ministry of Health remains committed to safeguarding public health and is closely monitoring the local, regional, and international situation. The public will be kept informed of any significant updates. By following these guidelines, we can collectively reduce the burden of respiratory and gastrointestinal infections.
For more information, please visit the Ministry of Health’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth/.
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.
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.
- A 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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