MINISTRY OF HEALTH’S COVID-19 UPDATE #161

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The Ministry of Health wishes to advise the public that as at 12am on 18th August 2020:

Considerable change has occurred in the Turks & Caicos Islands’ COVID-19 position. Seventeen (17) new cases of COVID-19 have been identified since the previous update. Eight (8) of these new cases are contacts of known confirmed cases and nine (9) are cases with NO clear epidemiological link. There has been one (1) new recovery recorded, bringing the total number of recoveries tO fifty-six (56).

The number of active confirmed cases in the TCI now stands at two hundred and fifty-six (256), with two (2) confirmed cases continuing to be under hospital care. The Public Health Team continues to implement aggressive contact tracing and control measures in relation to all active cases.

The total confirmed positive cases identified in the TCI to date now stands at three hundred and fifteen (315). No new COVID-19 related deaths have been recorded and total COVID-19 related deaths remain at two (2).

Fifty-one (51) new test results have been recorded over the past 24hrs, confirming seventeen (17) individuals positive and thirty-four negative for COVID-19. To date, the TCI has recorded a total of one thousand eight hundred and ninety-two (1892) test results, with one thousand five hundred and seventy-seven (1577) confirmed to be negative and three hundred and fifteen (315) 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 538. This includes: Confirmed cases (256), primary contacts of confirmed cases (274), secondary contacts of confirmed cases (8). Nine (9) 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.

The change in quarantine/observation numbers is as a result OF the new confirmed cases and their contacts being added to quarantine/observation status, and the removal of the recovered case. To date, a total of 1,346 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.