Health
Breathe in TCI’s fresh ocean breeze, MASK-FREE as COVID restrictions relax with plummeting infection rate
By Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, March 3, 2022 – Fish fry is again in the cards for Turks and Caicos Islanders thanks to outstanding self-control according to Minister of Health Jamell Robinson; and masks, in the outdoors, they are now officially no longer required..
It is the first time since the start of the Coronavirus Pandemic in March 2020, that a mask mandate has been fully lifted for the main islands of the Turks and Caicos. Salt Cay has long had its mask mandate removed.
Robinson addressed the issue at his press conference last Thursday firstly crediting the residents of the Turks and Caicos for being the reason why restrictions can be relaxed.
“I think we’re in a great place…if we can continue on the trend we can get back down to zero. I would like to thank the general public for taking collective responsibility in helping to bring our cases down to more manageable numbers.”
In terms of why fish fry wasn’t back yet he said, “You have to get a permit for any event over a hundred persons and there is no limit and we as a ministry will provide advice on how any event can run effectively so there’s nothing stopping Fish Fry from returning, outside of the issues in terms of finding a location.” 
He said as he announced the government’s eased restrictions on certain gatherings.
As of 5 AM February 28th churches or religious places of worship, restaurants, bars, nightclubs or discotheques, weddings and funerals were all allowed to return to 100% of their capacity. Churches weddings and Funerals had all been operating at 50% percent over the past weeks.
No proof of vaccine or negative Covid-19 test will be required to enter restaurants, bars, nightclubs or discotheques and establishments will no longer be required to keep logbooks. Boat excursions will also be without restrictions.
Persons with a positive Covid-19 test will still need to quarantine but asymptomatic persons or persons with mild symptoms, may be reassessed on the third day of quarantine and released if they meet certain criteria.
The Covid-19 dashboard will be produced weekly instead of daily as cases wane.
Certain restrictions remain in place however; social gatherings inclusive of beach events over 100 persons will require written permission from the Chief Medical Officer or Chief Environmental Health Officer and a permit from the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR).
Residents will still need to wear masks and/or face covering while indoors and in enclosed spaces. The requirement for them outside is gone and their use is now only recommended for outdoors when in close proximity to others. Adult visitors to the island will still be required to be vaccinated.
The Health Minister was clear on why the country still had some restrictions in place.
“We must all continue to be mindful of our unique position as a country with our strengths and weaknesses. When it comes to COVID19 we must continue to cut our own cloth and find ways to still both protect lives and livelihoods.”
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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