Startling News: Turks and Caicos Records July COVID-19 Death as Regular Tracking Resumes & global cases up 11%

Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

Turks and Caicos, August 15, 2025 – Startling news for the Turks and Caicos Islands as health officials confirm a new COVID-19–related death in July — the first in many months — underscoring that the virus has not disappeared and continues to pose a serious risk, particularly to the vulnerable.

The Ministry of Health and Human Services has now resumed regular public reporting on the virus and is again requiring residents to follow quarantine guidelines if they test positive. Officials say the return to scheduled updates is aimed at ensuring the public remains informed as the country navigates what health experts warn is a period of resurgence globally.

According to the latest report covering July 27 to August 2, 2025, the TCI recorded zero new cases in that week, but the cumulative toll stands at 6,920 confirmed infections and 41 deaths since the start of the pandemic. There were also 6,864 recoveries and no current hospitalizations.

COVID-19 protocols remain in place. Residents are urged to wash hands frequently, wear masks in crowded or enclosed spaces, maintain social distancing where possible, and protect high-risk individuals such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions. Testing continues to be offered free of charge at government-operated primary health care clinics, and vaccines and boosters remain available.

The World Health Organization’s data shows that, from June 30 to July 27, 2025, 90 countries reported 80,765 new COVID-19 cases, a sharp decline from the 312,229 cases reported in the previous 28-day period. Meanwhile, the global test positivity rate has ticked up to 11%—levels last seen in July 2024—highlighting a subtle resurgence, especially in the Caribbean, parts of Europe, and the Eastern Mediterranean.

The local health Ministry is reminding the public that self-isolation is still required for positive cases, and those with symptoms should seek testing immediately. The most recent fatality is a sobering reminder, say medical professionals, that while numbers may appear low, the virus continues to circulate and can still cause severe illness or death.

Updates are being provided in both English and Haitian Creole to ensure all communities receive the information.