Health
Turks & Caicos National Covid-19 Update
#TurksandCaicos, January 28, 2022 – Good Evening, Turks and Caicos, those listening via radio or social media, home and abroad. Thank you for taking the time to be with us for another Health Update. As the current situation progresses my team and I will continue to communicate with you throughout various platforms to keep you well informed. I would like to thank my well abled health team and all those contributing to our health and safety during these unprecedented times. I would like to remind the general public to please continue to adhere to the health protocols:
- Wear your mask/face covering properly, covering your nose and mouth
- Wash your hands frequently and sanitize them often
- Stay 6 feet apart from other persons
If you are vaccinated, please take your booster shot and if you are not, please consider it as the vaccine still has a significant efficacy against severe illness and hospitalizations for COVID-19 variants including Omicron.
I would like to note at this junction that our treatment abroad program is once again experiencing challenges with finding ICU beds throughout our network of overseas providers as those countries are experiences their own waves of the Omicron variant. Please protect your safety and the safety of your loved ones.
The 4th meeting of Cabinet for 2022 was held today Thursday 20 January 2022 virtually.
At this meeting Cabinet:
Was given an update by the Ministry of Health and discussed further measures being taken to address and mitigate against the threat of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) to the country, including:
- Spike in positive cases, in particular among residents (75% of cases),
- Hospital admissions (TCI and overseas) and six recent deaths,
- Progress on community testing, and
- Progress on administration of booster shots.
- Cabinet Approved an extension of the existing COVID-19 measures and protocols, which will come into effect from 5am on Monday 24 January and remain in place until 28 February 2022:
- Entry to Churches or Religious Places of Worship be limited to 50% of their approved capacity only,
- Weddings and funerals be limited to 50% of their approved capacity only,
- Entry to restaurants, bars, nightclubs and discotheques will only be allowed by patrons, aged 16 or over, who are fully vaccinated or have proof of negative
COVID-19 test within 24 hours,
- Social gatherings will only be allowed for patrons, aged 16 or over, who are fully vaccinated or have proof of negative COVID-19 test within 24 hours.
Residents are encouraged to use E-certificates for entry to establishments. These must be presented along with valid photo ID.
All businesses are responsible for verifying the required documents and be must be able to present log books with same for inspection by the Compliance Team.
Business owners are subject to fines for failure to comply.
Exemption for unvaccinated minors below the age of 16 years from these requirements once accompanied by an adult.
Any symptomatic patrons are advised to remain at home unless they are going to get tested.
Exceptions
Visitors/tourists residing at a resort attending bars/restaurants on site.
- Cabinet Approved amendments to Arrival Passengers Travel Clearance Health Regulations 2020, which will come into effect on from 5am on Friday 28 January and remain in place until 28 February 2022:
- Visitors and unvaccinated residents, aged two years and above, returning to TCI must present a negative PCR/Antigen test within three days of travel,
- Fully vaccinated residents returning to TCI are required to be tested within two days of arrival through TCIG testing sites at no cost.
- Unvaccinated minors of fully vaccinated residents are recommended to be tested within two days of arrival.
- Cabinet Approved an extension of the Cuban Brigade for an additional 6 months to assist the Turks and Caicos Islands with its COVID-19 response at the TCI Hospitals, and associated budget. Members also agreed on steps.
Also of note, at the meeting of Cabinet on Wednesday 12 January 2022: Cabinet noted and supported the introduction of genomic sequencing in the TCI to enhance national surveillance capability of the Covid-19 virus.
Health
Successful Community Kidney Screening Events Hosted by InterHealth Canada – TCI Hospital and Ministry of Health and Human Services in Grand Turk and Salt Cay
(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.
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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