MINISTRY OF HEALTH’S COVID-19 UPDATE #188

The Ministry of Health advises the public that as at 12am on 14th September 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 into consideration the above, some changes has occurred in the Turks & Caicos Islands’ COVID-19 position since the previous update. two (2) new cases of covid-19 have been identified, all cases being located on the island of providenciales. both cases are still under investigation with no clear epidemiological link.

No new recoveries have been recorded, leaving the total number of recoveries at five hundred and thirty-two (532). The number of active confirmed cases in the TCI has risen to one hundred and ten (110). Three (3) confirmed cases continue to be under hospital care. The Public Health Team continues to implement aggressive contact tracing and control measures in relation to all active cases.

total confirmed positive cases identified in the TCI to date now stands at six hundred and forty-eight (648). No new covid-19 related deaths have been recorded. total number of covid-19 related deaths stands at fIVE (5).

six (6) new test result has been recorded by the National Public Health Laboratory, confirming two (2) indivIdual positive and four (4) negative for covid-19. To date, the TCI has recorded a total of two thousand nine hundred and thirteen (2913) test results, with two thousand two hundred and sixty-five (2265) confirmed to be negative and six hundred and forty-eight (648) 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 346. This includes: Confirmed cases (110), primary and secondary contacts of confirmed cases (236) – Five (5) persons are quarantined in a government 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 increase in quarantine/observation numbers is as a result of the new confirmed cases being added to quarantine/observation status. To date, a total of 2,696 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.