Health
COVID Fourth Wave Epidemiological Report from TCI Ministry of Health on January 20, 2022
Delivered by Dr. Nadia Astwood, Chief Medical Officer
#TurksandCaicos, January 28, 2022 – “As it stands, the TCI has recorded 5442 cases of COVID 19 since the start of the pandemic with 1882 cases being identified in January 2022 alone.
The TCI has reported a total 32 COVID 19 related deaths since the start of the pandemic with 6 deaths occurring in January 2022. The fourth wave which the TCI is currently experiencing began at the end of December 2022 and since then 2272 cases have been detected.
To put this into perspective, a similar number of cases was reported for the TCI over the first 11 months of the pandemic between March 23 – Feb 25.
123 cases were identified in October,
117 in November
451 in December 2021.
Cases reported in January 2022 ranged in age from a newborn to 91 years with 53% being female, 73% residents and 64% of individuals being symptomatic.
The highest proportion of cases were observed in the 30-39 years age group which represented 23% of cases. While 8.3% of cases were aged above 60 years, this still accounted for 142 persons. Persons in this age group are more likely to have other comorbidities or underlying chronic non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes or cancer and are therefore at greater risk of severe disease and poor outcomes.
During this fourth wave and for the first time since the beginning of the epidemic in the TCI, cases have been detected on all inhabited islands in the TCI.
The positivity rate remains consistently high based on testing carried out at the National Public Health Laboratory, this is the percentage of people who test positive for the virus of those overall who have been tested. Although the vast majority of affected individuals reported mild symptoms such as cough and fever, the high overall numbers have translated into hospital admissions when compared to previous months.
As many as 30 hospital admissions in January 2022 had a COVID19 diagnosis which is a reflection of the widespread community transmission the TCI is currently experiencing. Dr Braithwaite Tennant will further expand on the impact of the current COVID19 wave on the TCI Hospitals.
Unfortunately, since December 20th 2021, the TCI has reported 7 COVID19 related deaths with 6 deaths being recorded in January 2022 alone.
Of the deaths in January 2022 (up to January 20)
4 (over 60) 1 (20 – 59)
1 (less than 20)
The most recent COVID19 vaccine report which was submitted on 16th January 2022 reported that:
82% of the eligible population is fully vaccinated (28639)
87% having received the first dose (30526)
14% booster coverage (4859)
Children aged 12 to 15 years:
1st dose 99
2nd dose 622
Overall, the MOH has noted breakthrough infections for those who have been fully vaccinated however the majority of persons experiencing severe disease are either unvaccinated or unboosted.
It is evident that the vaccine is effective in reducing the severity of the illness in the vast majority of cases, however the are many persons in the TCI who are eligible for the booster who have not taken it.
This is also reflected in the hospital admissions where persons who are experiencing more severe disease and are vaccinated are all unboosted. The policy has recently changed whereby persons who have completed their second dose of the vaccine are eligible for the booster as opposed to 6 months.
I would therefore continue to recommend that for those who are unvaccinated to get vaccinated and for those who are vaccinated to get boosted. This is the best way to protect yourselves, your loved ones and those who you may come into contact with.
Reinfections- The MOH has noted a substantial number of persons who have been re-infected with some persons having been infected last year and are now presenting again with symptoms of COVID19.
Since December 20th 2021, 98 reinfections have been identified.
What we are seeing in the TCI is likely to be the result of the omicron variant which is highly transmissible meaning that it can spread more easily from person to person than previous variants. This variant is responsible for the surges in cases being experienced all over the world and the TCI is no different.
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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