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Changes to Turks and Caicos pre-arrival protocols – 1st September 2021

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#TurksandCaicos, August 27, 2021 – The Ministry of Tourism wishes to update and remind the traveling public that as of September 1st, all visitors 16 years and over will have to upload to the TCI Assured Portal- proof of being fully vaccinated and a negative COVID 19 approved test within 3 days of arrival including insurance which covers COVID19 medical cost, full cost of hospitalization, prescriptions, doctors’ visits, medical evacuation and quarantine.

The accepted types of tests include:

  • A Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction Test (RT-PCR)
  • A Nucleic Acid Amplification test (NAA)
  • An RNA or molecular test
  • An Antigen Test

Fully Vaccinated visitors are those who have been fully vaccinated with an accepted COVID-19 vaccine: received the complete series or a combination of accepted mRNA or Adenovirus vector vaccines as accepted by the TCI; with the second shot taken at least 14 days prior to arrival. If a visitor took the Janssen/Johnson and Johnson; JnJ, Ad26.COV2.S single shot, then that shot would have had to have been taken at least 14 days or two weeks prior to arrival.

Here is how we break this down:

  1. Fully Vaccinated- Fully vaccinated means persons who would have had their second shot taken over two weeks and no less. If a traveler is coming and only had the second shot 10 -13 days prior, they should not be allowed to board.
  2. If the person had the Johnson and Johnson- one shot regime- same applies- it must have been taken at least 2 weeks prior to arrival.

 

Vaccines that are accepted:

Vaccine Developers              Vaccine Aliases                                                           Doses

Pfizer/Biotech                              Cormintary;BNT162b2                                                      2

Astrazeneca                                   Astrazeneca, Vaxzevria, Covishield, AZ;                       2                                                                                                                           AZD1222 (ChAdOx1)

Moderna                                        Moderna; Spikevax                                                            2

Janssen                                          Janssen/Johnson and Johnson; JnJ                             1                                                                                                                           Ad26.COV2.S

Who is exempt:

  1. Only those visitors with clear proof from a doctor that they are medically exempted from taking the vaccine. In this case they MUST still provide proof of a negative COVID 19 test taken within 3 days before arrival.
  2. Exemptions for religious reasons will not be considered for entry. Younger visitors:
  • All visitors 10- years and older must have COVID 19 negative test result and insurance – no vaccination needed (10-15 years old).
  • Younger visitors below 10 years age: – No vaccination or COVID 19 test requirement. However, must provide evidence of insurance which covers COVID19 medical cost, full cost of hospitalization, prescriptions, doctors’ visits, medical evacuation and quarantine.

Who is exempt from testing and vaccines?

Only visitors under 10 will not require a COVID test nor vaccine however must provide proof of insurance; which covers COVID19 medical cost, full cost of hospitalization, prescriptions, doctors’ visits, medical evacuation and quarantine.

The TCI Assured Portal will accept as proof of vaccination the following: Proof of vaccination- Proof of vaccination should be uploaded to the TCI Assured as part of the pre-arrival authorization process.

This should be in the form of:

  • e-certificate/digital certificates e.g. CVS, Walgreens, NHS
  • certification by Doctor or Government Entity
  • vaccination cards/certificates accepted by national authorities: e.g. EU, US, UK (i.e. CDC, NHS) 3
  • a vaccination letter signed by a medical professional (physician or registered nurse) on official letterhead with contact details -doctors registration or licensed # should be included with details of the first and second dose (date, country and vaccine you received)
  • or Authorized Government Entity or printed record from an electronic vaccination database TESTING POSITIVE:
  1. Any fully vaccinated visitor testing positive in the Turks and Caicos Islands would be required to quarantine at their own expense for a period of 10 days and undergo a COVID 19 mandatory test on day 7 prior to release. They will be required to do so with accompanying persons (family or travel group) UNVACCINATED RESIDENTS:
  2. All unvaccinated returning residents to TCI will be required to provide a negative COVID19 test and quarantine for a period of 7 days and undergo a mandatory test (required to be negative) on day five (5) prior to being released. (with their entire household)
  3. All unvaccinated must accept and agree to a mandatory quarantine order, prior to receipt of approval through the TCI Assured Portal for entry.

❖ Please note: Any returning resident that has been partially vaccinated (received one dose) or not vaccinated is required to submit a negative COVID 19 test and quarantine for a period of 7 days – including Household.

FROM:  Ministry of Tourism, Environment, Fisheries and Marine Affairs, Culture and Heritage, Agriculture, Religious Affairs and Gaming

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Successful Community Kidney Screening Events Hosted by InterHealth Canada – TCI Hospital and Ministry of Health and Human Services in Grand Turk and Salt Cay

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(Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, April 19th, 2024): – InterHealth Canada Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Human Services, is delighted to announce the successful completion of the Community Kidney Screening Events held in Grand Turk and Salt Cay. These events marked a significant milestone in promoting kidney health awareness and early detection.

On April 12, 2024, on Grand Turk (Dillon Hall) and April 13, 2024, on Salt Cay (Ministry of Health Clinic), participants had the opportunity to receive immediate screening results and personalized guidance from dedicated healthcare professionals. The collaborative effort between InterHealth Canada-Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital and the Ministry of Health and Human Services empowered individuals to prioritize their kidney health and take proactive steps towards well-being.

Reflecting on the event’s success, Dr Denise Braithwaite-Tennant, CEO of InterHealth Canada Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital, shared, “We are happy to see the positive impact of the Community Kidney Screening Events in Grand Turk and Salt Cay. By providing accessible screenings and expert guidance by our clinical teams, including our nephrologist and internist, we equip individuals with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their kidney health.”

Similarly, Dr Camelia Clarke, Director of the Health Promotion and Advocacy Unit of the Ministry of Health and Human Services, expressed her satisfaction with the outcomes, stating, “These events have showcased the importance of early detection and preventive care in maintaining optimal kidney health.”

The support of sponsors, including the TCI Boating Club, Air and Sea Agency, The Olympic Group Limited, Flow and Digicel, played a crucial role in the success of the Community Kidney Screening Events.

InterHealth-Canada Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital and the Ministry of Health and Human Services are excited to announce that a series of Kidney Community Screenings with dates for Providenciales, North and Middle Caicos, and South Caicos will be revealed soon, further extending the impact of this important initiative.

The Community Kidney Screening Events in Grand Turk and Salt Cay have set a solid foundation for ongoing efforts to prioritize kidney health and well-being within the community. Together, we are taking proactive steps towards building a healthier future for all.

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Provo Water Company Continues Efforts to Address Water Supply Issues

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PROVIDENCIALES, TCI, APRIL 30, 2024: Provo Water Company (PWC) has made significant progress in addressing recent water supply issues caused by increased water demand on Providenciales, and while ongoing projects aimed at long-term solutions are proceeding as planned, nightly water restrictions will continue through May.

This news comes as an update on the organization’s swift response to the rising water demand, which prompted the initial implementation of nightly restrictions to safeguard daily water reserves. The company is actively pursuing multiple projects, including upgrades to the city water transmission main, the main city water line valves, and the Middle Booster Pump Station,
alongside various other initiatives, to ensure long-term solutions to the supply issues.

Provo Water Company reaffirms its dedication to the residents of Turks and Caicos by continuing with a range of improvement projects aimed at innovative solutions for short and long-term distribution challenges. While diligently advancing these initiatives, the organization has determined that the nightly water restrictions remain necessary to ensure the replenishment of
daily reserves as it strives to keep these projects on track.

These restrictions will be implemented on an as-needed basis to effectively manage water consumption efficiently. If deemed necessary, the restrictions will be in effect from 11:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., optimizing conservation efforts during off-peak hours.

In response to the extension, Managing Director Robert Hall expressed apologies to customers and stakeholders in light of the extension. He reiterates his organization’s dedicated efforts to minimize the frequency of water restrictions and their eventual elimination in response to the extension.

In a statement, Hall said, “We will implement these measures only as required throughout the month of May to efficiently regulate water usage. We recognize the impact of these restrictions, and we want to assure you that we are doing our utmost to minimize inconvenience and ensure that your needs are our top priority.”

The transmission main project, which will enhance various aspects of the existing water supply network, ultimately improving water distribution across the island, is currently scheduled to be completed by mid-June 2024.

Hall concluded, “This project is pivotal in strengthening our water distribution infrastructure, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring a reliable water supply for our community. By actively working towards its completion, we remain dedicated to serving our customers with the utmost excellence, reliability, and efficiency.”

Learn more about Provo Water Company’s water efficiency and conservation initiatives by visiting www.provowater.com. Follow on social media for tips and announcements: @ProvoWaterCompany on Facebook and @provowaterco on Instagram. For inquiries, please contact the customer service team at customerservice@provowater.com.

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Dengue Getting Worst

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Rashaed Esson

Staff Writer

#Dengue#Caribbean#CentralandSouthAmerica, April 25, 2024 – New data from the Pan American Organisation(PAHO), indicates that dengue in the region may hit an all time high now over 4 million cases, a 260 percent increase from 2023 with over 1700 deaths registered since mid April. In fact, since April, reports say Brazil has reported the most cases. As a result of the surge in cases, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reissued its Level 1 Travel Health Advisory for the Americas on April 18, 2024 and the countries listed include the Turks and Caicos, Guadeloupe and French Guiana, as they have been seeing higher than usual levels of infection.

 

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