Trinidad and Tobago has been allocated an initial 100,000 to 120,000 doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine via the COVAX facility. This first allocation of the COVID-19 vaccine will be delivered to Trinidad and Tobago by March 2021.

This announcement was made on Saturday (30th January 2021) by Minister of Health, Terrence Deyalsingh, during the Trinidad and Tobago Medical Association (TTMA) Virtual Presidential Inauguration and Conferring of Honours Ceremony 2021.

This initial allocation will provide vaccines for at least 50,000 persons as 50% of the vaccines will be reserved to ensure that each recipient receives the required two (2) doses of the vaccine.

A Media Release from the Ministry of Health states that the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine has proven to be effective and can be stored in the standard vaccine refrigerator, which maintains a temperature of 2 to 8 degrees Celsius. The distribution process for this vaccine would therefore align dosely to existing vaccine protocols.

The Media Release also stated, “While it is noted that the vaccine will be distributed after it receives final World Health Organisation (WHO) Emergency Use Authorisation, this announcement is a major step in securing doses of the vaccine for the Trinidad and Tobago population, especially in the face of international COVID-19 vaccine supply challenges.”

The Ministry of Health has taken a three-pronged approach to securing COVID-19 vaccines:

1. The COVAX Facility (co-led by WHO, Gavi and CEPI).
2. Bilateral discussions with vaccine suppliers.
3. Caribbean Community (CARICOM) COVID-19 Vaccine Initiative.

​The COVAX facility is therefore only one of the strategies currently implemented to source COVID-19 vaccines for Trinidad and Tobago.

The Ministry of Health further states that it is far advanced in its preparation to receive and distribute the vaccine locally. Necessary consumables for vaccination have already been stockpiled in significant quantities, including 1 Million alcohol swabs and 1.5 Million syringes. At this time, the Ministry of Health has in-country capacity to store substantial quantities of doses of COVID-19 vaccines: over 300,000 at 2 to 8 degrees, 200,000 at -20 degrees and 200,000 at -70 degrees Celsius.

While the Ministry has already made significant steps in preparation for the national vaccine roll-out, it says it recognises that, “a public/private sector partnership is required to administer vaccines to the national population in the shortest time. This will give Trinidad and Tobago the best chance of mass protection from the evolving COVID-19 variants.”

National COVID-19 vaccine deployment will be implemented using two (2) parallel pathways - the first managed directly by the Public Health Sector and the second managed by the Private Sector with oversight by the Ministry of Health. Additionally, while twenty-three (23) public health facilities have been identified as future vaccination sites, plans are in place for the creation of four (4) mass vaccination sites.

Minister Deyalsingh called upon the TTMA to provide its usual support for this very important national vaccination drive.

On Sunday 7th February 2021, the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of the West Indies (UWI), will host a Symposium on COVID-19 vaccines, which will address vaccine hesitancy and plans for the deployment of the COVID-19 vaccine in Trinidad and Tobago. Invitees will include the Trinidad and Tobago Registered Nurses Association. The Pharmaceutical Society of Trinidad and Tobago, The Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers Association and the Inter-Religious Organisation of Trinidad and Tobago.

The Ministry of Health revealed in its daily 4pm update this afternoon (Sunday 31st January 2021) that there are twenty-two (22) additional COVID-19 cases in Trinidad and Tobago. This represents a substantial 144.44% increase in reported cases from yesterday.

The Ministry reported only nine (9) cases yesterday. The country’s death toll currently stands at 134. T&T’s confirmed cases now rises to 7,564, with 262 being active cases. A total of 7,168 patients have recovered from the virus to date.

The Ministry states that the number of positive cases reported reflects the samples taken during the period 28th - 30th January 2021 and not the last 24 hours.

​In its latest update, the Ministry notes that five (5) persons have been discharged from public health facilities and there have been sixteen (16) recovered community cases. Recovered community cases refer to persons who were previously COVID-19 positive and in self-isolation at home, and subsequently met the discharge criteria and were released from self-isolation.

The Ministry also notes that there are currently twenty-nine (29) COVID-19 positive patients being treated at Hospitals:

• 18 at Couva.
• 10 at Caura.
• ​1 at Scarborough Regional.

No patients are in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) or the High Dependency Unit (HDU). There are also currently three (3) COVID-19 positive patients in step-down/transition facilities.

This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates.

The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) is strongly advising motorists to avoid confrontations. The warning comes as the TTPS is currently investigating several reports of road traffic accidents within the past 48 hours in which drivers were subjected to acts of violence.

There have been three (3) recent incidents involving road rage that has no doubt captured the attention of the TTPS. In the first incident, a small road traf­fic ac­ci­dent on Don Miguel Ex­ten­sion Road in El So­cor­ro on Thursday led to one of the dri­vers being knocked down by the oth­er fol­low­ing a con­fronta­tion.

Video footage showed both men ar­gu­ing af­ter they could not agree on how and where the car should be re­paired. Then one of them drove off a short dis­tance and turn­ed his ve­hi­cle around, while the oth­er ap­proached his car with a ma­chete in hand. The dri­ver then slammed in­to the man who was ap­proach­ing on foot with the ma­chete. The in­jured man underwent surgery on his arm following the incident. He also sus­tained in­juries to his hip and left artery. He is listed in stable condition.

In the second in­ci­dent, a taxi dri­ver was stabbed sev­er­al times about the body on Thurs­day af­ter­noon. Ac­cord­ing to a po­lice re­port, around noon, the vic­tim, a 35-year-old man from Wood­brook was dri­ving near One Wood­brook Place, St. James when he was re­port­ed­ly giv­en a bad dri­ve by the sus­pect, a PH dri­ver.

The vic­tim told po­lice he con­tin­ued dri­ving when the sus­pect ma­noeu­vred to­wards his ve­hi­cle sev­er­al times. Po­lice said the vic­tim brought his ve­hi­cle to a stop along the West­ern Main Road due to traf­fic con­di­tions and then came out and ap­proached the sus­pect whose ve­hi­cle was di­rect­ly be­hind his.

The sus­pect be­came en­raged and stabbed the vic­tim, caus­ing in­jury to his chest and ab­domen. The sus­pect then drove off. The vic­tim was tak­en by Po­lice Of­fi­cers to the St. James Med­ical Com­plex where he was treat­ed and list­ed in a sta­ble con­di­tion.

The third incident took place in Ch­agua­nas with video footage on Friday showing a dri­ver get­ting out of his ve­hi­cle and con­fronting an­oth­er dri­ver. The two (2) men start­ed fist-fight­ing for sev­er­al min­utes be­fore an­oth­er man in­ter­vened to sep­a­rate them. The video al­so showed peo­ple emerg­ing from both ve­hi­cles and walk­ing away while the fight oc­curred. The video was cap­tured by a dashboard ­camera from an­oth­er ve­hi­cle.

In a Media Release on Saturday (30th January 2021), the TTPS said they are encouraging drivers, when involved in a road traffic accident or incident, to report the matter immediately to the nearest Police Officer or Police Station to assist in resolving the situation within the confines of the law.

Drivers are advised not to engage with persons who may appear aggressive and who can become a threat to their life or property as a result of a road traffic incident or accident. Immediately report the incident to the TTPS. The Police can be contacted via its hotlines at 999, 911 or 555 in the event of an emergency.

The public is advised that any reports of threats or violence towards a person will be treated to the full extent of the law as to ensure the safety and security of all law-abiding citizens.

Four (4) persons were arrested and several market items seized by Officers of the Port-of-Spain City Police during an illegal street vending eradication exercise yesterday (Friday 29th January 2021).

According to a Media Release from the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), the exercise resulted in the arrest of:

• A 36-year-old woman of Barataria.
• A 42-year-old woman of Valencia.
• A 34-year-old man of Port-of-Spain.
• A 46-year-old man of Port-of-Spain.

All four (4) were charged with offering for sale marketable commodities, wilful obstruction and unlawful pitch of a stall - offences which are contrary to the Municipal Corporations Act.

The make-shift stalls containing the assorted marketable commodities were seized, documented and examined by Officers of the Public Health Department.

The individuals are expected to appear before a Port-of-Spain Magistrate next week.

The exercise was conducted along Charlotte, Henry, Frederick and Queen Janelle Commissiong Streets, Broadway and the Brian Lara Promenade, Independence Square.

Chapter 25: 04, Section 199 of the Act states:

1. No person may sell or offer for sale any fresh or frozen meat or fish within a City or Borough except in a public market or in a shop, store or warehouse licensed for such sale by the Council of the Corporation obtained a license for the purpose from the Council. Every person who contravenes this section is liable to a fine of two hundred dollars ($200) for each day on which he so contravenes.
2. Within any City or Borough, no person may sell or offer for sale any marketable commodity not being fresh or frozen meat or fish except in a public market or under and in accordance with the terms of a licence in that behalf granted by the Council.
3. Any person who contravenes subsection (1) is liable to a fine of two thousand dollars ($2,000).
4. Any person who contravenes subsection (2) is liable to a fine of one thousand dollars ($1,000).

The Port-of-Spain City Police is reminding burgesses of the law governing vending and strongly encourage those interested in the trade to do so lawfully as Police Officers will enforce the law to ensure public health safety and security.

The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS) has issued a Hazardous Seas Alert (Yellow Level) from 2am on Sunday (31st January 2021) until 2pm on Tuesday (2nd February 2021).

According to the Met Office, strong low level winds are expected to agitate sea conditions, mainly around North and East Trinidad and Tobago. Waves are expected to reach heights of between 2.5 m and 3.0 m in open waters. A long period northerly swell event and ongoing spring tides are also expected to worsen sea conditions, especially at high tide and over Northern and sheltered coastal regions.

The Met Office advises all marine interests to carefully monitor nearshore and offshore sea conditions, exercise extreme caution along affected areas and heed the warnings of lifeguards and other relevant authorities.

The Ministry of Health revealed in its daily 4pm update this afternoon (Saturday 30th January 2021) that there are nine (9) additional COVID-19 cases in Trinidad and Tobago. This represents a 30.77% decrease in reported cases from yesterday.

The Ministry reported thirteen (13) cases yesterday. The country’s death toll currently stands at 134. T&T’s confirmed cases now rises to 7,542, with 261 being active cases. A total of 7,147 patients have recovered from the virus to date.

The Ministry states that the number of positive cases reported reflects the samples taken during the period 27th - 29th January 2021 and not the last 24 hours.

​The Ministry also notes that there are currently thirty-two (32) COVID-19 positive patients being treated at Hospitals and four (4) patients are in step-down/transition facilities.

This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates.

The Ministry of Health held a virtual Press Conference at 11am this morning (Saturday 30th January 2021) to update the public on the latest developments with COVID-19 in Trinidad and Tobago.

​Below are the key points discussed today, courtesy of TTT Live Online:

- Employers are being urged to ensure work spaces are sanitised, proper distance is maintained between workers and wearing of masks. Persons with flu-like symptoms are being urged to stay home and get tested.

- Roshan Seeramsingh, GIS Manager at the Ministry of Health, reported an increase in cluster cases in T&T. During his presentation, he noted that there were eight (8) clusters recorded in the last week of December 2020 and first week of January 2021, but in the second and third weeks in January, this figure rose to fourteen (14). Seven (7) of the clusters were recorded in St. George East, with two (2) bounding that County. Females in the age brackets 10 to 14, 35 to 39, and 55 to 59 ranked among the highest infections.

- County Medical Officer of Health for St. George East, Dr. Osafo Fraser, noted that people continue to pick up infections in the work environment. In two (2) separate cases, they arose due to the failure to wear masks and social distance while on the job. These workers later spread the virus to their family members at home.

- Dr. Fraser said COVID-19 clusters are also occurring because of family gatherings. One cluster came about following a birthday party. Eight (8) persons were infected from this gathering.

- In another instance in St. George East, ten (10) people in an extended family household became COVID-19 positive after one (1) or two (2) people within this home exhibited flu-like symptoms but did not get tested or isolate themselves. They then spread the virus to other members of their household.

Watch the Press Conference below in its entirety.

[Source: TTT Live Online]

According to the Marketing Manager of Bhagwansingh’s Group of Companies, Baliram John, the COVID-19 Pandemic has driven up the cost of steel by 70%. This in turn is expected to also drive up the cost of local commercial and residential construction. The current shortage in foreign exchange has also worsened the situation. Bhagwansingh’s is one of T&T’s biggest importers of construction material.

​Steel mills in Europe and other countries were forced to shut down operations last year due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Even though factories are now re-opening, an ease in the price hikes is not expected just yet.

Speaking to CNC3, John noted that “several of the suppliers have cancelled our orders and there is a very limited supply, both in terms of material and shipping. So when you put that together, you send up the cost significantly.” Another executive said that it is not just the price of steel and steel products that have gone up - issues in supplies of lumber from countries such as Brazil and the United States has driven up the price of lumber products as well.

Watch the report below from CNC3’s Sharlene Rampersad and cameraman Kevin Maharaj.

[Source: CNC3]

The Ministry of Health will be hosting a virtual Press Conference at 11am this morning (Saturday 30th January 2021) to update the public about the latest developments with COVID-19 in Trinidad and Tobago.

The Ministry reported thirteen (13) cases yesterday. The country’s death toll currently stands at 134.

​Watch the live stream of the Press Conference below when it begins at 11am.

The Ministry of Education is advising parents to be vigilant with their children when it comes to social media app TikTok and the dangerous TikTok challenges their children may be participating in behind closed doors. This follows the recent tragic death of 9-year-old Emmanuel Poteon.

Poteon was found dead around 5:08pm on Monday (25th January 2021) in the bathroom of a guest bedroom of his home along Penguin Crescent, Maloney Gardens. He was found by his grandmother and 13-year-old cousin with a belt around his neck and his phone nearby. Police were told that the young boy may have been trying to partake in the ‘blackout challenge’ on TikTok, by putting a belt around his neck and holding his breath while recording himself on his phone.

Below are fifteen (15) of the most dangerous TikTok trends and challenges (in no particular order) that the Ministry of Education has highlighted in a series of Public Service Advisories (PSAs):

Cereal Challenge

One person acts as a ‘bowl’ by lying on their back and filling their mouth with cereal and milk. Next, a second person uses the spoon to eat cereal right out of their friend's mouth.

Outlet Challenge

A phone charger is partially plugged into a power outlet, leaving the prongs partially exposed. Kids then drop quarters onto the prongs, creating showers of sparks.

Throw It In The Air/Concussion Challenge

A group of people stand in a huddle with their heads bent forward. An object, which can range from a small ball to a large bike, is thrown into the air. No one in the huddle is allowed to move until after the object lands on someone. The goal of the challenge is to cause a concussion.

Skull Breaker Challenge

Involves three (3) persons standing next to one another in line. When the person in the middle jumps in the air, the people on either side kick out the legs of the middle person.

Kiki Challenge

Inspired by the Drake song ‘In My Feelings,’ which contains the lyric, "Kiki, do you love me?" this trend sees TikTok users exiting slow-moving vehicles while in motion and dancing to the tune alongside them.

Salt And Ice Challenge

Involves putting salt on one's skin and holding an ice cube on the spot for as long as possible. The combination creates a chemical reaction that causes pain and can lead to frostbite, first-or second-degree burns, and blisters.

Vacuum Challenge

Involves getting inside a large trash bag and using a vacuum cleaner to suck air from the bag until it's skin-tight on the person inside. While this challenge might seem harmless as long as the airway is clear, at least one teen was stuck in a trash bag for two (2) hours before parents found and freed her.

Pass-Out Challenge

These videos show TikTok users swinging their heads from side to side eighteen (18) times, apparently causing them to pass-out. Any situation that involves rapidly whipping your head around and results in falling unconscious carries the risk of brain and head injuries.

Morning After Pill

These videos show girls "discovering" a free morning-after pill included in Clearblue pregnancy test packages. The truth, however, is that the small circular tablet is not a morning-after pill. It is actually meant to absorb moisture in the package, similar to a silica gel packet. Clearblue has since warned customers that the tablets are not edible and that those who have ingested them should seek medical attention.

Kylie Challenge

The point of this challenge is to add volume to the lips like Kylie Jenner. The method is to hold a shot glass or medicine bottle to your lips and suck out the air, creating a vacuum. Actual results have been disastrous for many who tried.

Flash Eye Challenge

Involves staring into the camera flash without blinking for several seconds. According to optometrists, doing so can create temporary blindness or even permanent blind spots in vision.

Hot Water Challenge

Involves pouring boiling hot water onto someone, invariably causing injury.

Cha Cha Slide Challenge

This challenge involves users following the singer's instructions while driving their cars on the roadways, jerking the steering wheel left and right to "slide to the left, slide to the right," and "criss-cross". Videos of people doing the challenge show drivers swerving perilously close to disaster.

Salt Challenge

Involves pouring an excessive amount of salt into the mouth. A sudden spike in sodium levels can lead to dehydration, confusion, nausea and vomiting. High levels of sodium in extreme cases can result in seizures or induce a comatose state.

Nutmeg Challenge

Involves consuming large amounts of nutmeg mixed into water. The result affects the nervous system, possibly resulting in hallucinations, dizziness and nausea. Research has also found drowsiness, dry mouth, confusion and seizures to be possible effects of this dangerous challenge.