TCI records first coronavirus case, borders to close

The Turks and Caicos Islands has recorded its first case of coronavirus.

The announcement was made by Premier Sharlene Robinson on Monday.

Director of Health Services Dr Nadia Astwood revealed that the male patient had no recent travel history, but did not elaborate.

Through the procedural questioning as with any suspected or confirmed case, the patient was interviewed for contact tracing, she said.

Up to Sunday, Turks and Caicos Islands had 10 suspected cases of COVID-19, comprising one tourist and nine residents returning from countries with local transmission and contacts of a confirmed case.

There are 60 persons in home quarantine and two at the hospital in quarantine. Thirty-two people have been released from quarantine.

The Ministry of Health said eight confirmed negative test results have been received to date, and those persons and their contacts have been moved from quarantined status and asked to continue following proper guidelines from the ministry.

Late Friday, Robinson announced the islands would be closing the borders from midnight Tuesday until April 14 in an effort to control the spread of the coronavirus. (TCI Sun)