Turks and Caicos Islands: Authorities likely to maintain COVID-19-related restrictions through December /update 18

Turks and Caicos likely to maintain COVID-19-related restrictions on business, gatherings, and entry requirements, through December.

Event

Authorities in Turks and Caicos will likely continue enforcing existing restrictions on businesses and group gatherings through December. The measures are part of the territory's ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) response. Most restrictions remain unchanged since authorities lifted the curfew at the end of November:

All businesses are required to close by 2359.
Restaurants and bars are to be limited to a maximum of 30-percent capacity.
All social gatherings may have a maximum of 25 people in attendance provided they are held outdoors.
Church services, funerals, and weddings can occur with a maximum of 30-percent capacity indoors or 40 people outdoors.
Public beaches may remain open, but visitors must maintain social-distancing measures, and gatherings of more than 10 people from different households are banned.

Businesses must enhance sanitation procedures and limit the number of customers within their premises to ensure social distancing. Establishments and institutions should indicate their capacity by a sign outside or on the door. Attendance logs are necessary for all aircraft, organized public gatherings, and social gatherings. All individuals are required to ensure physical distancing and must wear a protective facemask in public spaces.

International and Domestic Travel
Turks and Caicos reopened the territory's airports to regional and international passenger transport July 22; however, officials have extended the cruise center's closure until January 2021. All arriving nonresident foreign nationals, returning legal residents, and citizens over the age of 10 must obtain "TCI-Assured" online pre-authorization by providing a negative COVID-19 test taken within five days before arrival, proof of medical insurance, and a completed health screening questionnaire. Domestic travelers will be subject to temperature health checks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.