MINISTRY OF HEALTH’S COVID-19 UPDATE #128

The Ministry of Health wishes to advise the public that as at 12am on 16th July 2020:

The Turks and Caicos Islands has experienced some change in its COVID-19 position over the past 24hrs. two (2) new confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been recorded; both cases are local transmission with no clear epidemiological link. This has increased the number of active confirmed cases to sixty (60), with four (4) cases continuing to be under hospital care. The Public Health Team is continuing its implementation of aggressive contact tracing and control measures in relation to all active cases.

The total number of confirmed positive cases identified in the TCI to date stands at seventy-four (74). No new COVID-19 related deaths have been recorded since the previous update and total COVID-19 related deaths remain at two (2). The total number of recoveries from COVID-19 currently STANds at ELEVEN (11). This additional recovery is as a result of a departed case outside of the tci now reporting that they have recovered.

ten (10) new test results have been recorded since the previous UPDATE, confirming two (2) individuals were positive and eight (8) individuals were negative for COVID-19. To date, the TCI has recorded a total of nine hundred and sixty (960) test results, with eight hundred and eighty-six (886) confirmed to be negative and seventy-four (74) positive confirmations. All persons confirmed not to have COVID-19, and any contacts, (if quarantined, will be removed from quarantine/observation status) are asked to continue following proper guidelines from the Ministry of Health.

The number of persons in quarantine/observation has increased to 274. This includes: Confirmed cases (60), primary contacts of confirmed cases (103), secondary contacts of confirmed cases (70) returning TCI residents (41) – Twenty-one (21) of these persons are currently being quarantined at a non-medical facility. Persons under observation/quarantine, that are not confirmed or suspected cases, are either not displaying symptoms or have not met the case definition.

in reviewing this week’s dashboard figures, the health team discovered that an error was made in regard to the ‘quarantined at home’ figures for tuesday and wednesday, 14th and 15th of july respectively. The figure was overstated by four (4). A correction will be made to those dashboards posted to our social media and coronavirus website.

The increase in the number of persons in quarantine/observation status is as a result of the new confirmed cases being added to quarantine/observation status. To date, a total of 1007 individuals have been released from quarantine/observation status. 

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.