Good evening Turks and Caicos. It’s the Governor speaking.

A short but important announcement this evening.   We’ve now been in curfew and lockdown for 11 days. From a national perspective it’s going well and we are grateful we have strong public support for which myself, the Premier, the Cabinet and the Police want to say thank you.

The weekend we are approaching – the Easter weekend - is traditionally one where business activity slows considerably.  In the belief that you will meet us half way we want to use this Easter period to just slow, still further, the amount of movement and comingling on the Island.

Let me start by saying what I’m not about to announce is a confirmation of a rumor that started to circulate today that Cabinet were going to order a complete lockdown over Easter. That was false; we are not.

Over this Easter period you may still exercise in the morning and evening, within the set times, and if you hold a specific exemption – such as needing to care for someone that needs care - you may attend to their needs.  But you must have an exemption.

There will also be some businesses that will still function and they are obvious: medical facilities including doctor’s offices; hotels where guests are in residence; ferry services for emergency cases; commercial aviation, airports and security service businesses.

But beyond those we are though going to close down all other businesses for 2.5 days. This will be the afternoon (starting at noon) on Maundy Thursday 9^th April, all of Good Friday (the 10^th April) and Easter Sunday (12^th April). 

Over this Easter period essential business that have been operating during this period of lockdown may operate on Saturday 11^th April and Easter Monday 13^th April.

I’ll say that again. All businesses will be closed from after ‘noon’ on Thursday. They will stay closed on Friday. They will open on Saturday, close on Sunday, open on Monday.

We do this for two reasons.  We have eight confirmed cases on the Island and we now have evidence of on-island transmission. In other words a small number of these individuals had no travel history and so they have been exposed on the Island. 

In a measured way we want to yet further put distance between our population at the places our population most come into contact with strangers, or indeed friends. At present the most likely places this happens are the businesses that are open.

The second reason is that while many have been able to have considerable time at home with family this has not been true for our front line services.

Police and Immigration Officers have not only been working extremely long hours securing the lockdown and curfew but have had the extra challenge of dealing with the interception of sloops and subsequent repatriations. Others have had long hours in other essential services where we have reduced staffing to the bare minimum.

Utilizing this Easter Holiday period gives us the opportunity to let these people take a breath and seriously reduce the traffic on the road – people won’t have the opportunity to visit a business because there will be no business to visit – and that will allow our front line services some space to refresh.  There will of course be no let-up in Policing, just matters will be more manageable for those on duty and our Marine Branch will remain - as it always is – primed and deployed.

These decisions were made by the National Emergency Operations Centre chaired by the Premier and myself and agreed in a Cabinet Paper. Regulations have been drafted and will be in force covering this change. Tonight we will have graphics up on Social Media explaining, and I’ll publish the text of this address.

We are giving notice this evening so again you can use the next day and a half to prepare sensibly. There’s no need to panic buy, or rush. You’ve all worked out for yourselves that the stores are well stocked and will continue to be so. Stay calm as they say, and carry on.

Now a look ahead. Given that almost every other country in the world has extended its lockdown period it’s not unreasonable for many to ask what the Cabinet’s view will be on this, when ours expires in the middle of next week.

The answer is that the decision has not been taken, the more data we have in making this decision the better. It will though be taken this week or weekend by Cabinet, and communicated early to you, so again if preparations are needed they can be done in a sensible measured way.

The Cabinet will be strongly guided by Health on this and we have asked for a very detailed paper laying out the case, for and against, systematically.

 All in all though I do want to say that myself, the Premier, the Commissioner and Minister of Health judge overall compliance has been extraordinarily good. We are up at around 90% or above and that does give us the very best chance of defeating this. TCI you are at the moment the envy of many others in the region for the way we are all holding together on this.

Away from this I do want to call out, as at times I have done in the past, a malicious use of fake news. Imagery circulated today suggested a huge Sloop was in Provo. It wasn’t.  For those that risk their lives out on the sea stopping this happening, and for the last eight months they have an extraordinary high success rate,  can you imagine how disheartening this is?

 But beyond just undermining people who I see as amongst our present national heroes, a few weeks ago this type of fake news would have been wrong – in a moral sense – because it was produced by a person that wanted to cause fear and generate hate. The difference today, under new law, is that this is now a criminal offence. As a result a Police Investigation has started; I look forward to a future prosecution.

Perhaps a final note to say that the Security Assistance Team the Premier and myself greeted yesterday are now settled in quarantine. Myself and the Team Leader, Lieutenant Colonel Steve Jones, had a three-way teleconference with his Commanding General today in the UK.

 The team are very clear on their initial task which is to properly understand the health capacity in all its forms we have in TCI so we can support and help build greater capacity against COVID19 while, at the same time, understanding how UK military capability – which comes in different forms –can support our anti-illegal immigration operations.

The two of course link together in terms of the fight against COVID19. They have a further set of sub-tasks such as Hurricane preparedness and support to building our Regiment but the two main tasks will dominate.

 That’s it for now TCI. Day 11 over, day 12 soon to begin. I’ve barely left the house for the last few days – and there’s a lot I miss – not least the beaches and the sea – I guess they will only be all the better when I can enjoy them again – which of course I will.

 Good night.

CLICK HERE FOR AUDIO VERSION

The Ministry of Health would like to advise the public that as at 12am on 7^th April, 2020:

NO NEW DEATHS HAVE BEEN RECORDED OVER THE PAST 24hrs.

THE TOTAL CONFIRMED POSITIVE CASES REMAINS AT EIGHT (8). One confirmed positive case has passed away since confirmation and another case has since left the TCI. Proper infection prevention and control measures were utilized during this entire process.

The number of suspected cases of COVID-19 in the TCI has INCreased to FIVE (5). The new cases (2) are not persons that were in our quarantine figures. The total five suspected cases are persons experiencing relevant symptoms but no relevant travel history or pertinent contact. Two suspected cases are under hospital care.

All five persons had met the WHO case definition for a suspected case of COVID-19. Samples have been collected and sent for testing, and we are currently awaiting results.

The increase in suspected cases over the past 24hrs is as a result of persons presenting with relevant symptoms but no relevant travel history.

Persons under quarantine/observation (31)—The active confirmed cases (Confirmed positive cases in the TCI that are currently infected) (6), contacts of a confirmed case (6), the suspected cases (5), relatives/contacts of suspected cases (12), TCI residents returning from overseas (2). Persons under observation/quarantine are either not displaying symptoms or have not meet the case definition for COVID-19.

The decrease in quarantine/observation numbers is as a result of the expiration of the quarantine period for a considerable number of individuals (mainly TCI residents who returned from overseas); and the fact that a confirmed case and their relatives/contacts have left the TCI. All individuals and their contacts have been removed from quarantine status.

On 1^st April, 2020 the case definition for COVID-19 was amended for TCI; a travel history is no longer needed to fit the criteria. Given the closure of the TCI borders it is likely that new case would be as a result of local transmission.

NO NEW TEST RESULTS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED SINCE THE PREVIOUS UPDATE AS AT 6^th APRIL, 2020. To date, a total of sixty-one (61) test results have been received, with fifty-three (53) confirmed negative and eight (8) positive confirmations. Persons confirmed not to have COVID-19, and their contacts, were moved from quarantined status and asked to continue following proper guidelines from the Ministry of Health. Those cases confirmed positive are in isolation with contact tracing aggressively continuing.

The Ministry of Health takes this opportunity to remind the public of offenses committed under section 18 of the Emergency Powers (COVID-19) Regulations 2020 in regard to false Statements/information. You do not have to be the originator of the statement/information in order to be charged under the law.

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 has come from infected country(ies) or 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. Practicing social distancing 3. Prepare your home, office and other surroundings by following the advice of the Ministry of Health and other credible health agencies.

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.

The Premier and myself will have welcomed today a ‘Security Assistance Team’ arriving from the United Kingdom. At around 20 it’s a multi-disciplinary, multi-department effort that draws heavily on 3 Commando Brigade. Commanded by a Lieutenant Colonel, it has a skill set that includes: doctor, medical planners, logisticians, military police and security planners.

The team bring with them our military’s experience of supporting the UK’s National Health Service during this period – which has been extraordinarily important to the UK response - and therefore brings welcome relevant experience onto the Islands. 

TCI is the first Overseas Territory to receive such a team and this is a reflection of the number of overlapping challenges we face here, from both COVID19 and from illegal migration. The skill set that the Royal Marines bring with them, to both land and maritime operations, and the military’s links to the UK’s health response, makes this team a particularly welcome member of the wider national security team and medical effort.

The team will follow the advice of our Chief Medical Officer, and also the letter of the Emergency Regulations, and the visiting military team will be quarantined for 14 days. During that time they will be able to connect remotely to a full range of stakeholders in TCI so they can build understanding and context as they wait. The public will see them out and about in two weeks-time. 

Separately, the public will recall we announced that we were recruiting the new Commanding Officer of the TCI Regiment. Applications have been received. The appointment will take place during this period so our Commanding Officer can build valuable bridges with 3 Commando Brigade which will pay dividends long in the future. The team while here can also help advise us on the setting up of our own Regiment that will have a very strong Maritime role, for very obvious reasons.

HMS Medway, is a very capable Patrol Vessel, who recently visited TCI and is in the region. She is now well practiced in working with our Maritime Police.   The Royal Marines and HMS Medway report to the same Headquarters in the UK which brings coherence.

When UK Naval assets – which are now forming into a Task Force in the Caribbean – patrol - its worth saying it’s part of a wider international effort that includes US maritime and air assets and assets from the Bahamas. Our Police plane also docks into this effort with our Maritime Police and radar providing the final line of protection. All of us know how extraordinarily hard the Marine Branch have been working recently and it’s worth saying they are overwhelmingly successful – hence the numbers we are presently deporting; 225 yesterday. 

Serious crime was an issue on the Islands before this period of lockdown and looking to the future we do not imagine for one moment that we will not face similar challenges in the near future. The lockdown and curfew period has though offered a welcome respite from this menace. The team therefore includes two UK Home Office Advisors who can work with the TCI Police Executive.

The public might recall that just before the lockdown the Premier and myself announced a jointly funded TCIG and UK uplift – for the next year - to our Police’s hard-edged Tactical Unit. This will double its size. Despite the pandemic that work progresses, recruitment is taking place.

Moving back to maritime support, given the region could face two concurrent disasters: pandemic and hurricane the Royal Fleet Auxiliary support ship, RFA Argus, is now deploying to the Caribbean to offer the Overseas Territories support during the upcoming hurricane season as well as the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

She sailed on 2 April to cross the Atlantic and she has the capability to receive casualties and a medical team can join the ship, from the UK, if required and once it is in the region.

As well as having a casualty capability she is also carrying aid from the Department for International Development to provide water and ration packs where needed post any hurricane, plus materials to repair damage and clear blocked roads in support of local emergency services.

Deploying onboard RFA Argus are Royal Marines, Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary sailors. In addition, a Wildcat helicopter and 3 Merlin Helicopters with pilots, aircrew and engineering support are also embarked.

The Minister of Health is best placed to cover – amongst all the procurement efforts his Ministry is making - the equipment the UK is providing in terms of practical medical support. But in terms of completeness, in support of the Health Ministries work, Personal Protection Equipment and a significant number of tests kits will arrive from the UK this week with more to follow. The first batch are presently in-transit.

The critical on-Island testing equipment (which has been extremely hard to procure globally) is on order by the UK, on our behalf, and will arrive as it comes off the production line. We are also in detailed discussions with the UK about providing people who can support medical delivery here.

In terms though of the arrival of the Security Assistance Team today, I hope this news reassures. It’s a significant uplift in our capability on the Islands to deal with these extraordinary events. With this team and with Royal Marines on the Island, the UK - and all it offers - will I hope feel much closer. The Premier and myself thank the team for leaving their homes - and their families - to come and support ours. 

Stay safe TCI – thank you for doing all you are to keep yourself, your family, your community and your Islands safe. We are getting there, and we are getting there together. Good night.

The Ministry of Health would like to advise the public that as at 12am on 6^th April, 2020:

NO NEW DEATHS HAVE BEEN RECORDED OVER THE PAST 24hrs. 

THE TCI RECEIVED ADDITIONAL TEST RESULTS, THREE OF WHICH WERE POSITIVE, BRINGING THE TOTAL POSITIVE CASES TO EIGHT (8).

The number of suspected cases of COVID-19 in the TCI has DECreased to thREE (3). The three suspected cases are persons experiencing relevant symptoms but no relevant travel history or pertinent contact. Two suspected cases are now under hospital care.

All three persons had met the WHO case definition for a suspected case of COVID-19. Samples have been collected and sent for testing, and we are currently awaiting results.

The decrease in suspected cases over the past 24hrs is as a result of test results received, which confirmed that individuals were negative for COVID-19.

Persons under quarantine/observation (63)—The active confirmed cases (7), contacts of a confirmed case (17), possible contacts of a confirmed case (10), the suspected cases (3), relatives/contacts of suspected cases (12), persons travelling from highly affected countries (2), TCI residents (12). Persons under observation/quarantine are either not displaying symptoms or have not meet the case definition for COVID-19.

The decrease in quarantine/observation numbers is as a result of the expiration of the quarantine period for a considerable number of individuals (mainly TCI residents who returned from overseas); and new test results received confirming suspected cases and person/s under investigation are negative for COVID-19. All individuals and their contacts have been removed from quarantine status.

On 1^st April, 2020 the case definition for COVID-19 was amended for TCI; a travel history is no longer needed to fit the criteria. Given the closure of the TCI borders it is likely that new case would be as a result of local transmission. 

THIRTEEN (13) NEW TEST RSULTS WERE RECEIVED – THREE (3) CONFIRMED POSITIVE AND TEN (10) NEGATIVE. To date, a total of sixty-one (61) test results have been received, with fifty-three (53) confirmed negative and eight (8) positive confirmations. Persons confirmed not to have COVID-19, and their contacts, were moved from quarantined status and asked to continue following proper guidelines from the Ministry of Health. Those cases confirmed positive are in isolation with contact tracing aggressively continuing.

The Ministry of Health takes this opportunity to remind the public of offenses committed under section 18 of the Emergency Powers (COVID-19) Regulations 2020 in regard to false Statements/information. You do not have to be the originator of the statement/information in order to be charged under the law.

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 has come from infected country(ies) or 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. Practicing social distancing 3. Prepare your home, office and other surroundings by following the advice of the Ministry of Health and other credible health agencies.

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.

The Ministry of Health would like to advise the public that as at 12am on 5^th April, 2020:

REGRETABLY, THE TCI HAS TODAY RECORDED ITS FIRST COVID-19 DEATH. The individual was a middle-aged male with a pre-existing condition. Details of this were given in an earlier joint press release.

NEW TEST RESULTS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED, AND TCI CONTINUES TO RECORD NO NEW POSITIVE CASES SINCE OUR UPDATE AS AT 4^th APRIL, 2020. On 1^st April, 2020 the case definition for COVID-19 was amended for TCI; a travel history is no longer needed to fit the criteria. Given the closure of the TCI borders it is likely that new case would be as a result of local transmission.

The number of suspected cases of COVID-19 in the TCI has increased slightly to thirteen (13): The thirteen suspected cases are TCI residents returning from countries with local transmission, contacts of a confirmed case, persons presenting with severe acute respiratory infection (SARI), and persons experiencing relevant symptoms but no travel history. Three suspected cases are now under hospital care and one suspected case passed away on 3^rd April, 2020.

All thirteen persons had met the WHO case definition for a suspected case of COVID-19, and those currently in quarantine/observation are experiencing symptoms. Samples have been collected and sent for testing, and we are currently awaiting results.

The increase in suspected cases over the past 24hrs is as a result of an individual who is experiencing relevant symptoms but has no recent travel history – contact tracing is underway.

Persons under quarantine/observation (140)—The confirmed cases (4), contacts of a confirmed case (17), possible contacts of a confirmed case (10), the suspected cases (12), symptomatic person/s under investigation (1), relatives/contacts of suspected cases or persons under investigation (24), persons travelling from highly affected countries (2), TCI residents (70). Persons under observation/quarantine are either not displaying symptoms or have not meet the case definition for COVID-19.

The decrease in quarantine/observation numbers is as a result of the expiration of the quarantine period for a considerable number of individuals (mainly TCI residents who returned from overseas); and new test results received confirming individuals (TCI Hospital staff) are negative for COVID-19. All individuals and their contacts have been removed from quarantine status.

Recently-tested staff members of the TCI hospital have consistently been included in COVID-19 statistics, suspected and quarantine figures. All 21 healthcare workers were tested, those suspected and quarantined, to ensure the safety of our valued healthcare workers and patients. 

TWENTY-ONE NEW TEST RSULTS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED – ALL RESULTS ARE NEGATIVE. To date, a total of forty-eight (48) test results have been received, with forty-three (43) confirmed negative and five (5) positive confirmations. Persons confirmed not to have COVID-19, and their contacts, were moved from quarantined status and asked to continue following proper guidelines from the Ministry of Health. Those cases confirmed positive are in isolation with contact tracing aggressively continuing.

The Ministry of Health takes this opportunity to remind the public of offenses committed under section 18 of the Emergency Powers (COVID-19) Regulations 2020 in regard to false Statements/information. You do not have to be the originator of the statement/information in order to be charged under the law.

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 has come from infected country(ies) or 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. Practicing social distancing 3. Prepare your home, office and other surroundings by following the advice of the Ministry of Health and other credible health agencies.

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.