FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MINISTRY OF HEALTH’S COVID-19 UPDATE #15
BEGINS
he Ministry of Health would like to advise the public that as at 12pm on 27th March, 2020:
The number of confirmed positive cases remains unchanged at two (2) cases.
There has also been no change in the number of suspected cases over the past 24hrs; the TCI has 10 suspected cases of COVID-19: Tourist visiting the country (1). The other nine suspected cases are TCI residents returning from countries with local transmission and contacts of a confirmed case (9). All 10 persons met the WHO case definition for a suspected case of COVID-19, thus they are experiencing symptoms. Samples have been collected and sent for testing.
Persons under quarantine/observation increased slightly (306)—The confirmed cases (2), contacts of a confirmed case (13), possible contact of a confirmed case (26), the suspected cases (10), persons under investigation for having contact with persons travelling from highly affected countries (1), relatives/contacts of suspected cases (21), persons travelling from highly affected countries — UK, Austria & Spain (6), TCI residents (227). Persons under observation/quarantine are all not displaying symptoms or have not meet the case definition for COVID-19.
The increase in quarantine/observation numbers over the past 24hrs was primarily as a result of the contacts of a confirmed case and possible contacts of a confirmed case being placed in quarantine status.
No test results were received over the past 24hrs, and the total number of test results received to date remains at fourteen (14); with twelve (12) confirmed negative and one (2) positive confirmation. Confirmed positive cases are in isolation with contact tracing aggressively continuing.
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: COVID19@gov.tc; 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.
ENDS