MINISTRY OF HEALTH’S COVID-19 UPDATE #174

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The Ministry of Health wishes to advise the public that as at 12am on 31st August 2020:

Except in the case of emergencies, the National Public Health Laboratory currently operates a 6-day work week to allow for appropriate deep cleaning and other preparatory work to be done on Sundays. As such, regular activities are minimized or suspended during weekends to allow for such processes to be completed.

Taking the above into consideration, the Turks & Caicos Islands has seen some change to its COVID-19 position since the previous update. one (1) new case of covid-19 has been identified, located on the island of providenciales, and is still under investigation with no clear epidemiological link. The individual has passed away and efforts to contact next of kin are underway. total number of covid-19 related deaths now stands at four (4).

the total number of recoveries remains at two hundred (200). The number of active confirmed cases in the TCI stands at three hundred and three (303). two (2) confirmed cases continue to be under hospital care. total confirmed positive cases identified in the TCI to date now stands at five hundred and eight (508). The Public Health Team continues to implement aggressive contact tracing and control measures in relation to all active cases.

one (1) new test result has been recorded by the National Public Health Laboratory over the past 24hrs, confirming the individual positive for covid-19. To date, the TCI has recorded a total of two thousand four hundred and thirty (2430) test results, with one thousand nine hundred and twenty-two (1922) confirmed to be negative and five hundred and eight (508) 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 747. This includes: Confirmed cases (303), primary contacts of confirmed cases (409), secondary contacts of confirmed cases (35). Persons under observation/quarantine, that are not confirmed or suspected cases, are either not displaying symptoms or have not met the case definition.

The increase in quarantine/observation numbers is as a result of contacts of confirmed cases being added to quarantine/observation status. To date, a total of 1,567 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.