Press Statement – March 24th, 2023 Honourable Shaun D. Malcolm, Minister of Health and Human Services

A pleasant good morning to my fellow Turks and Caicos Islanders, residents and visitors.

Over the past three years, the Turks and Caicos Islands, like other countries in the world faced unprecedented challenges as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.   During the earlier to mid stages of the pandemic, and as we approach what is being considered the tail end of the pandemic, the Turks and Caicos Islands faced the onslaught of individuals being infected with the disease, and the harsh reality of thirty-eight (38) Covid-19 related deaths.

The Turks and Caicos Islands not being unique to the effects of the Covid-19 Pandemic had to make difficult decisions to ensure the health and safety of the population, and at times visitors as well. 

As a country, we saw the introduction of various public health measures such as, social distancing, the wearing of masks, restrictions on social gatherings, border closure, and curfews just to list a few.

The Turks and Caicos Islands, I believe did exceptionally well.  Although a small nation, the country received enormous in-country support from the UK Government, assistance from CARPHA and PAHO, and we saw the onboarding of the Cuban Brigade to ensure that adequate healthcare staffing was provided to the hospital and the nation at large. 

At a time when the world felt that Covid-19 pandemic would dominate the very existence of the human race, the world saw the introduction of the Covid-19 vaccines.   Fortunately for the Turks and Caicos Islands, through the assistance of H.E the Governor and the UK Government, the TCI was one of the first islands in the Caribbean region to receive the vaccine.  With the introduction of the vaccine, this meant additional changes to existing regulations such as the arriving passengers’ regulations. 

Decisions were then taken to enhance the regulations by stating ALL visitors entering the Turks and Caicos Islands must be fully vaccinated with one of the approved vaccines published by the World Health Organization (WHO). 

Whilst the World Health Organization has not declassified Covid-19 from a pandemic status, like many other countries, the Turks and Caicos Islands is not being severely impacted by the disease.

Currently there are three (3) active cases in the country.  However, this is no indication that as a country and a people, we should become relaxed.  Covid-19 remains to be a threat albeit low, and we must still exercise caution.  If you are not vaccinated with the vaccine, please know the facts for yourself and become vaccinated – protect you and your loved one.  If you are vaccinated, increase your protection levels by taking the booster.

As a government, the Ministry of Health continues to monitor the impact of Covid-19 locally and globally.  Taking into consideration where we are as a nation as it relates to the Covid-19 Pandemic, the Cabinet at its meeting on 22nd March 2023, made the following decision in relation to the Arriving Passengers Regulations:

  • Effective 1st April 2023 All visitors travelling to the Turks and Caicos Islands will NOT be required to show proof of the Covid-19 Vaccine.

As Minister responsible for Health, I continue to urge residents and visitors to practice safe hygiene habits, build your immune systems, take the Covid-19 Vaccine or booster to protect yourself or your loved ones. The life you save could be your very own.

May God continue to bless our beautiful by nature Turks and Caicos Islands.  I take this opportunity to wish you all a blessed and Happy Easter.

Good day Turks and Caicos!!!

Expiration of the Public And Environmental Health (COVID19)(Arriving Passengers Health Clearance) Regulations

The Ministry of Health and Human Services wishes to advise the traveling public that the Public And Environmental Health (COVID-19)(Arriving Passengers Health Clearance) Regulations will expire on March 31 2023.

This therefore means that proof of COVID-19 vaccination will no longer be required for visitors to the Turks and Caicos Islands as of April 1, 2023. 

Persons are strongly encouraged to take general precautions to protect themselves and limit transmission of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses in circulation. This includes: practicing frequent hand hygiene (washing hands with soap and water for at least 30 seconds or use of hand sanitizer), maintain physical distance (at least 6 feet apart), cover your coughs and sneezes and wear a face covering, especially when indoors and around others and particularly if you are experiencing any respiratory symptoms. Eligible persons are strongly encouraged to consider taking COVID-19 vaccine/booster and the flu shot. Those with underlying conditions and the elderly are strongly encouraged to be vaccinated and stay up to date with their boosters. COVID-19 vaccines, the bivalent booster and flu vaccines are available at no cost at all Primary Health Care Clinics.

For further information, please visit the Ministry of Health’s website https://www.gov.tc/moh/coronavirus/

MINISTRY OF HEALTH'S COVID-19 UPDATE #760

The Ministry of Health advises the public that as of March 5th to March 11th 2023:

THE TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS CONTINUES TO SEE CHANGES IN ITS COVID-19 POSITION. OVER THE PAST WEEK ONE (1) NEW CASE OF COVID-19 HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED.

FOUR (4) NEW RECOVERIES HAVE BEEN RECORDED, BRINGING THE TOTAL NUMBER OF RECOVERIES TO SIX THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED AND EIGHT (6508). THE NUMBER OF ACTIVE CONFIRMED CASES IN THE TCI NOW STANDS AT ONE (1). THE NUMBER OF HOSPITALIZATIONS REMAINS ZERO (0).

TOTAL CONFIRMED POSITIVE CASES IDENTIFIED IN THE TCI TO DATE STANDS AT SIX THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED AND SIXTY-TWO (6562). NO (0) NEW COVID-19 RELATED DEATHS HAVE BEEN RECORDED. THE TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS IS THIRTY-EIGHT (38).

FORTY (40) NEW PCR TEST RESULTS HAVE BEEN RECORDED BY THE NATIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH LABORATORY. To date, the TCI has recorded a total of sixty-one thousand nine hundred and fifty-four (61,954) PCR test results and six thousand five hundred and sixty-two (6562) positive confirmations. In addition, two (2) new Antigen test have been recorded, bringing the total number of Antigen tests to five hundred and fifty thousand four hundred and seventy-two (550,472). Persons testing positive should self-isolate in accordance with MOH guidelines (https://www.gov.tc/.../1581-guidance-for-persons-who-test...). All persons are asked to continue following proper hygienic measures.

Local testing is being conducted for persons in a range of categories, according to the national testing strategy. This includes frontline workers and those who may need to travel for treatment abroad. These persons would not be reflected in quarantine numbers.

The public is strongly urged to follow all health advice and guidelines from the Ministry, especially as we progress with the phased reopening.

Please note the following definitions:

  • A suspected person is someone who meets the case definition as outlined by WHO and CARPHA - and is experiencing symptoms.
  • A person in quarantine is an individual on island who may have come in proximity to suspected or confirmed cases - and have not exhibited symptoms.

Let's continue to reduce the risk by:

  1. Washing our hands for 20secs or more.
  2. Wearing of masks required in public.
  3. Practicing social distancing.
  4. Prepare your home, office and other surroundings by following the advice of the Ministry of Health and other credible health agencies.
  5. Cover your coughs and sneezes (use your elbow or a tissue which should be properly disposed of).
  6. Keep frequently touched surfaces clean e.g. tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets and sinks.
  7. Protect those who are vulnerable in the community such as the elderly or those with underlying health conditions.
  8. Do not discriminate against persons who have or are suspected of having COVID-19.

For more information, please visit the Ministry of Health website, www.gov.tc/moh/coronavirus; email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; or call our hotline numbers, (649) 232-9444 and (649) 333-0911, if you or someone you know has symptoms or signs of COVID-19.

MINISTRY OF HEALTH'S COVID-19 UPDATE #759

The Ministry of Health advises the public that as of March 5th to March 11th 2023:

THE TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS CONTINUES TO SEE CHANGES IN ITS COVID-19 POSITION. OVER THE PAST WEEK ONE (1) NEW CASE OF COVID-19 HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED.

FOUR (4) NEW RECOVERIES HAVE BEEN RECORDED, BRINGING THE TOTAL NUMBER OF RECOVERIES TO SIX THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED AND EIGHT (6508). THE NUMBER OF ACTIVE CONFIRMED CASES IN THE TCI NOW STANDS AT ONE (1). THE NUMBER OF HOSPITALIZATIONS REMAINS ZERO (0).

TOTAL CONFIRMED POSITIVE CASES IDENTIFIED IN THE TCI TO DATE STANDS AT SIX THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED AND SIXTY-TWO (6562). NO (0) NEW COVID-19 RELATED DEATHS HAVE BEEN RECORDED. THE TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS IS THIRTY-EIGHT (38).

FORTY (40) NEW PCR TEST RESULTS HAVE BEEN RECORDED BY THE NATIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH LABORATORY. To date, the TCI has recorded a total of sixty-one thousand nine hundred and fifty-four (61,954) PCR test results and six thousand five hundred and sixty-two (6562) positive confirmations. In addition, two (2) new Antigen test have been recorded, bringing the total number of Antigen tests to five hundred and fifty thousand four hundred and seventy-two (550,472). Persons testing positive should self-isolate in accordance with MOH guidelines (https://www.gov.tc/.../1581-guidance-for-persons-who-test...). All persons are asked to continue following proper hygienic measures.

Local testing is being conducted for persons in a range of categories, according to the national testing strategy. This includes frontline workers and those who may need to travel for treatment abroad. These persons would not be reflected in quarantine numbers.

The public is strongly urged to follow all health advice and guidelines from the Ministry, especially as we progress with the phased reopening.

Please note the following definitions:

  • A suspected person is someone who meets the case definition as outlined by WHO and CARPHA - and is experiencing symptoms.
  • A person in quarantine is an individual on island who may have come in proximity to suspected or confirmed cases - and have not exhibited symptoms.

Let's continue to reduce the risk by:

  1. Washing our hands for 20secs or more.
  2. Wearing of masks required in public.
  3. Practicing social distancing.
  4. Prepare your home, office and other surroundings by following the advice of the Ministry of Health and other credible health agencies.
  5. Cover your coughs and sneezes (use your elbow or a tissue which should be properly disposed of).
  6. Keep frequently touched surfaces clean e.g. tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets and sinks.
  7. Protect those who are vulnerable in the community such as the elderly or those with underlying health conditions.
  8. Do not discriminate against persons who have or are suspected of having COVID-19.

For more information, please visit the Ministry of Health website, www.gov.tc/moh/coronavirus; email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; or call our hotline numbers, (649) 232-9444 and (649) 333-0911, if you or someone you know has symptoms or signs of COVID-19.

MINISTRY OF HEALTH'S COVID-19 UPDATE #758

The Ministry of Health advises the public that as of February 26th to March 4th 2023: THE TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS CONTINUES TO SEE CHANGES IN ITS COVID-19 POSITION. OVER THE PAST WEEK FOUR (4) NEW CASES OF COVID-19 HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED.

FIVE (5) NEW RECOVERIES HAVE BEEN RECORDED, BRINGING THE TOTAL NUMBER OF RECOVERIES TO SIX THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED AND FOUR (6504). THE NUMBER OF ACTIVE CONFIRMED CASES IN THE TCI NOW STANDS AT FOUR (4). THE NUMBER OF HOSPITALIZATIONS ZERO (0).

TOTAL CONFIRMED POSITIVE CASES IDENTIFIED IN THE TCI TO DATE STANDS AT SIX THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED AND SIXTY-ONE (6561). NO (0) NEW COVID-19 RELATED DEATHS HAVE BEEN RECORDED. THE TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS IS THIRTY-EIGHT (38).

FORTY-SIX (46) NEW PCR TEST RESULTS HAVE BEEN RECORDED BY THE NATIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH LABORATORY. To date, the TCI has recorded a total of sixty-one thousand nine hundred and fourteen (61,914) PCR test results and six thousand five hundred and sixty-one (6561) positive confirmations. In addition, three (3) new Antigen test have been recorded, bringing the total number of Antigen tests to five hundred and fifty thousand four hundred and seventy (550,470). Persons testing positive should self-isolate in accordance with MOH guidelines (https://www.gov.tc/.../1581-guidance-for-persons-who-test...). All persons are asked to continue following proper hygienic measures.

Local testing is being conducted for persons in a range of categories, according to the national testing strategy. This includes frontline workers and those who may need to travel for treatment abroad. These persons would not be reflected in quarantine numbers.

The public is strongly urged to follow all health advice and guidelines from the Ministry, especially as we progress with the phased reopening.

Please note the following definitions:

  • A suspected person is someone who meets the case definition as outlined by WHO and CARPHA - and is experiencing symptoms.
  • A person in quarantine is an individual on island who may have come in proximity to suspected or confirmed cases - and have not exhibited symptoms.

Let's continue to reduce the risk by:

  1. Washing our hands for 20secs or more.
  2. Wearing of masks required in public.
  3. Practicing social distancing.
  4. Prepare your home, office and other surroundings by following the advice of the Ministry of Health and other credible health agencies.
  5. Cover your coughs and sneezes (use your elbow or a tissue which should be properly disposed of).
  6. Keep frequently touched surfaces clean e.g. tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets and sinks.
  7. Protect those who are vulnerable in the community such as the elderly or those with underlying health conditions.
  8. Do not discriminate against persons who have or are suspected of having COVID-19.

For more information, please visit the Ministry of Health website, www.gov.tc/moh/coronavirus; email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; or call our hotline numbers, (649) 232-9444 and (649) 333-0911, if you or someone you know has symptoms or signs of COVID-19.