The Ministry of Health held its daily virtual Press Conference at 10am today (Monday 27th April 2020) to update the public on the latest developments with COVID-19 in Trinidad and Tobago. Below are are the key points discussed today: - The following is the update on COVID-19 patients across the various facilities:
- Starting this week, the Ministry of Health will be deepening its relationship and support of Residential Care facilities. Random testing will begin at these Homes for elderly residents. Masks and other Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be provided to workers at these facilities free of charge. - Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh called on parents and guardians to get their children immunised, noting that immunisation programmes in other countries have fallen off at this time. He said, "Whilst we have no drop off as yet, we have to learn from other countries." - HIV clinics are open. Patients are asked to continue visiting these facilities for treatment. - Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh noted that there has been widespread support for the stay-at-home extension. He encouraged citizens to stay the course for the remaining period: "If we comply, we will get through this stronger and better." - Technical Director in the Epidemiology Division at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Avery Hinds, responded to an article on the death rate in T&T due to pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses over the last four (4) months. Noting that 2019 was a very active year for deaths by pneumonia and respiratory illnesses, he said chronic diseases remain the main cause of death in Trinidad and Tobago. Dr. Hinds said the article did not have context and failed to use comparative data from the previous year, or the previous four (4) months. He noted that data analysis on mortality rates is a specialised field which requires extensive training and specific programmes and processes to be used. He said a lot has to be done before assigning a Cause of Death for any person. He stated: “This is a dangerous use of data, it is not the appropriate way for mortality data to be used.” - Dr. Hinds said there has been no evidence showing that recovered COVID-19 patients in T&T have had relapses. - National Security Minister Stuart Young clarified reports on chartered flights arriving in T&T over the weekend with passengers. He confirmed that five (5) chartered flights came to collect 62 Non-Nationals who were working offshore on rigs to return them home. The 62 Non-Nationals were staggered over the five (5) flights. Minister Young assured that the passage of these 62 Non-Nationals through T&T posed no threat as they were brought in on a marine vessel, escorted on sanitised buses to Piarco, and were not allowed to disembark. He said it was a carefully managed operation to get these Non-Nationals back to their homes. - In addition, Minister Young confirmed that the French military requested overpass flights which were allowed. The U.S military also requested the same to pick up military personnel and American citizens from South America who were making their way back home. Again, no one was allowed to disembark. - T&T Nationals in Suriname will be granted permission to enter Trinidad and Tobago, but just like the cruise ship cohort and 33 Nationals who recently returned from Barbados, they will be subject to quarantine. - T&T continues to use technology for border control. Just this morning, some T&T Nationals were picked up with fish and shrimp as they were returning from Venezuelan waters, in complete contravention of the Customs Act and COVID-19 restrictions. The T&T Nationals were escorted back to Venezuela to face charges. - T&T already has measures in place in the event of an influx of deportees when the borders are eventually re-opened. - Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh said the parallel health care system will continue to run for some time, until a vaccine is found for COVID-19. He added: "You don't know what other pathogen is lurking around the corner to attack us." Watch the Press Conference below in its entirety. This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates.
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Minister of Health, Terrence Deyalsingh, has signed the updated Public Health Regulations (No. 12), which goes into effect from today, Monday 27th April 2020 until Friday 15th May 2020. One of the changes in the updated Regulations allows for hardware stores, including electrical and plumbing establishments, to now open six (6) days per week (instead of 3), between the hours of 8am and 12 Noon.
As a reminder, supermarkets, markets, vegetable stalls and bakeries are only allowed to open until 6pm while pharmacies can open until 8pm. A person who contravenes any section of the Public Health Regulations commits an offense and is liable on summary conviction to a Fine of TT $50,000 and imprisonment for a term of six (6) months. See the updated Public Health Regulations (No. 12) below for further details.
The Ministry of Health will be hosting a virtual Press Conference at 10am this morning (Monday 27th April 2020). As of this morning, Trinidad and Tobago has a total of 116 positive cases of COVID-19. So far there have been eight (8) deaths and a total of 58 persons have been discharged. The Ministry of Health will begin ramping up COVID-19 testing throughout T&T from today in order to get a better idea about the presence and potential spread of the virus.
If you missed Saturday’s important Press Conference which was hosted by Prime Minister Keith Rowley, you can catch up on the key points that were discussed. The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has tested a total of 1,525 samples to date.
Watch the Press Conference below in its entirety.
This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates.
The Ministry of Health has announced on Sunday night (26th April 2020) that Trinidad and Tobago now has a total of 116 positive cases of COVID-19. The last reported case was five (5) days ago, on 21st April 2020. So far there have been eight (8) deaths and a total of 58 persons have been discharged. The Ministry said the new positive case is pending epidemiological investigation. From the 116 total positive cases, 52 of these came from the group of T&T Nationals who returned from the cruise. The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has tested a total of 1,525 samples to date. See the Media Release below from the Ministry for further information. This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates.
UPDATE 2: Foreign affairs expert and Asia analyst Gordon Chang noted on Fox News’ "America's Newsroom" on Monday (27th April 2020) that a report, which he said "actually has some circumstantial evidence to support it," showed that Mr. Kim may have been wounded in "an accident on April 14 when North Korea launched a barrage of cruise missiles." He pointed out that photos of Mr. Kim were released at every prior missile test, but that no photos were released of the last test. "That's an indication that something happened on April 14," Chang said. UPDATE: South Korea's Unification Minister Kim Yeon-chul told a closed-door forum in Seoul on Sunday (26th April 2020) that South Korea has "enough intelligence to confidently say that there are no unusual developments" that would back up speculation about Mr. Kim's health, according to his Ministry. The Minister said he would not reveal what specific intelligence led to that conclusion, but stressed that it had undergone a complex analysis. Where is Kim Jong Un? The Supreme Leader/Dictator of North Korea missed the country’s most important holiday (the “Day of the Sun”) on 15th April 2020, which raised many eyebrows at the time. The holiday marks the birthday of Kim Il Sung, North Korea’s founder and first Dictator - and Mr. Kim’s grandfather. Mr. Kim was last shown in the country’s state media on 12th April 2020, with images of him leading discussions on the COVID-19 Pandemic and visiting an Air Force Base. Following his absence from the public celebrations, speculation and rumors then ratcheted higher after a South Korean publication reported he recently suffered a heart attack and underwent emergency heart surgery to insert arterial stents. On Saturday (25th April 2020), a Japanese magazine reported that he had been left in a ‘vegetative state’ after the procedure was botched. Other credible news organizations this weekend even reported that Mr. Kim died after the botched surgery. So which report is correct? Is he still alive or dead? Up to late on Sunday there was still no definite answer as U.S authorities and media outlets have not yet been able to independently verify Mr. Kim's current condition. According to a report by The Wall Street Journal: Mr. Kim—as well as his father and grandfather, who preceded him in ruling the cloistered state—has a history of unexplained absences. He disappeared for more than a month in 2014 before ultimately reappearing with a cane. He was also out of the public eye for several weeks in 2012 and 2013. Meanwhile, Reuters said that China had dispatched medical experts to North Korea, possibly to help care for Mr. Kim. Analysts at 38 North looked at satellite data and determined that a train probably belonging to Mr. Kim was at the station near the leader’s compound at Wonsan, on the country’s east coast. In an article on Saturday, the North Korea-focused website said it meant Mr. Kim could be at the compound—hours away by road from where he was reported to have been recovering from surgery. South Korean officials said throughout the week that they hadn’t picked up military movements or other signs suggesting a sudden change inside North Korea. U.S officials have said they are looking into reports that Mr. Kim may have been incapacitated or worse. U.S President Donald Trump was asked about Mr. Kim’s health during a White House Coronavirus Briefing on Thursday (23rd April 2020), saying that he believed the report on Mr. Kim was erroneous: “I hear the report was an incorrect report. I hope it was an incorrect report.” Speaking on the issue earlier in the week with Bret Baier from Fox News, Trump said the following: Well, these are reports that came out, and we don't know. We don't know. I've had a very good relationship with him. I wouldn't -- you know, I can only say this -- I wish him well. Because if he is in the kind of condition that the reports say... that's a very serious condition. A sudden change at the top of North Korea would alarm national-security officials in the U.S and its allies, experts said, amid concern about the country’s nuclear arsenal and armed clashes spilling over the border into South Korea. China would worry about instability and a flood of refugees. Mr. Kim’s younger sister, Kim Yo Jong, believed to be in her early 30s, has been cited as a potential successor. This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates.
Prime Minister Keith Rowley held a Press Conference at 2pm today (Saturday 25th April 2020) to update the public on the Government’s next steps in the battle against COVID-19 in Trinidad and Tobago. Below are are the key points discussed today: - The stay-at-home initiative for non-essential workers will continue at least until May 10th, and T&T’s borders will remain closed at least until May 15th. - Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley said Government will be guided by the scientists, data, and advice from public health experts on the best time for T&T to open businesses and schools. - Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley acknowledged that there may be some element of Coronavirus in the population and therefore Surveillance Testing must continue to determine what level of presence exists in the general population. He said, “Based on the way we have approached this and the requirement of the Public Health Department, we are required to give the technical people a further 14 days to conduct examinations of the population outside of the hospitalisation situation...That, then, will allow us to make confident opening-up decisions. So in short, we need a few more days of holding the fort to be able to come to a point where we can open back up the situation.” - Technical Director in the Epidemiology Division at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Avery Hinds, reminded that all cases of COVID-19 in T&T started as imported cases from travel. He noted from the data, that there were minimal or few cases of Local Transmission (COVID-19 positive person transmitted to family member). There has been no Community Spread since most cases were confined to families of persons who tested positive for COVID-19. Surveillance Testing will ensure that there are no cases of Community Spread that are unknown or undocumented. - On Surveillance Testing within the population, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Roshan Parasram projected that medical personnel will be able to conduct 50 Tests per day in the coming weeks, and this number will increase as time goes by. He said, "If we continue to have more negatives we'll be confident to say that Community Spread is extremely limited." - If all goes well with the Surveillance Testing and results yield more negatives in the population, restrictions may be relaxed by May 10th. - Hardware stores to open half-day, Mondays to Saturdays. - Prime Minister Rowley appealed to landlords to go easy on their tenants during this period as some may be out of work and unable to pay their full rent. He said: “We need to have the milk of human kindness.” - Prime Minister Rowley noted that all national decisions on COVID-19 have been based on science. He also praised medical experts for guiding the Government at this time, saying he is proud to be Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago and working alongside these experts. - Prime Minister Rowley highlighted some strategies taken to prevent a COVID-19 crisis from occurring in T&T, including:
- Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley said T&T has started on a long journey, and there is still some way to go. - Prime Minister Rowley emphatically stated that there is no fallout between Trinidad & Tobago and Barbados. - The following is the update on COVID-19 patients across the various facilities:
Watch the Press Conference below in its entirety. This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates.
Prime Minister Keith Rowley announced at a Press Conference this afternoon (Saturday 25th April 2020) that Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi will amend current legislation to allow all hardware, electrical and plumbing stores to open six (6) days per week (Mondays to Saturdays) from 8am to 12 Noon.
The Ministry of Health previously restricted these types of stores to only open three (3) days per week - Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. These restrictions are to prevent persons from visiting these stores in large numbers to buy paints and other non-essential items. Minister of Health Terrence Deyalsingh said at a recent Press Conference that persons were buying paints and hiring workmen to visit their homes to re-paint their houses. He noted that this is not the time for that.
Prime Minister Keith Rowley announced this afternoon at a Press Conference that the current stay-at-home order will be extended to at least 10th May 2020 in order to continue to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in Trinidad and Tobago. He noted that by 10th May 2020, the Government will be in a better position to say if the country can start to “relax” and re-open. T&T’s borders will remain closed until at least 15th May 2020.
These extensions are to give the Ministry of Health the chance to ramp up random testing of the population for the COVID-19 virus. The plan is to conduct at least 50 tests per day during the extension so that at least 700 can be done. If the number of positive tests continue to be low by 10th May 2020, the country would be in a good position to begin re-opening. Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Rosham Parasram, said that based on the existing data regarding COVID-19 cases, the numbers to date shows a downward trajectory. However, he said that the purpose of the testing to be done in the general population in the coming weeks would be to detect whether the virus was present in people who had displayed mild symptoms. He noted another 700 tests would give the country a good benchmark to know whether COVID-19 was present in the community. Dr. Parasram said testing would continue after citizens began moving about more, to spot whether there were pockets of cases and instances of community-spread. Prime Minister Rowley said there has been considerable analysis on T&T’s position going forward to protect citizens from COVID-19. He said T&T has started on a long journey, and there is still some way to go. He also praised medical experts for guiding the Government at this time. Our national decisions have been based on the science.
This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates.
UPDATE: The stay-at-home order was in fact extended to at least 10th May 2020. Therefore, restaurants and other businesses will also remain closed until then. Our borders will remain closed until at least 15th May 2020. A date was not yet announced for the re-opening of schools. If you missed the Press Conference, you can catch up on all the key points that were discussed.
The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) has announced that there will be a Press Conference at 2pm this afternoon (Saturday 25th April 2020) at the Diplomatic Centre in Port-of-Spain, which will be hosted by Prime Minister Keith Rowley.
We should hopefully find out the answers to some, if not all, of these questions today. As of this morning, Trinidad and Tobago still has a total of 115 positive cases of COVID-19. So far there have been eight (8) deaths and a total of 52 persons have been discharged. If you missed yesterday’s Press Conference by the Ministry of Health, you can catch up on the key points that were discussed. The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has tested a total of 1,501 samples to date.
Watch the Press Conference below in its entirety.
This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates.
The Ministry of Health held its daily virtual Press Conference at 10am today (Friday 24th April 2020) to update the public on the latest developments with COVID-19 in Trinidad and Tobago. Below are are the key points discussed today: - Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh reminded citizens that on March 11th, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared COVID-19 a Pandemic. He said six (6) weeks prior to that announcement, the T&T Government, on January 30th, took steps by imposing restrictions on travellers coming from China. Since then, Government added other countries to the list and suspended the cruise ship season. He said Government has been proactive and effective in managing the threat in T&T. - The following is the update on COVID-19 patients across the various facilities:
- Director of Mental Health at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Hazel Othello, said it is important for people to manage their emotions one day at a time. One coping mechanism is to have a daily routine. Persons who are not employed at this time are urged to find a hobby/creative outlet. - Dr. Othello's tips for coping with COVID-19: Try relaxing with daily exercise - this will also help you sleep better. Prayer and meditation are important at this time. If you are overwhelmed, please talk to a friend or mental health professional. Stay connected with friends and family. Start the day with gratitude for the small things. - Health care workers are urged to unwind and relax at the end of work day, and to support and encourage each other. - Parents and guardians urged to talk to children about what is happening with COVID-19. They are encouraged to read a book with their children called "My Hero Is You" which is available on the WHO website. - Employers urged to keep checking on staff and do things to keep workers mentally and emotionally stable. - Dr. Othello also spoke specifically on bereavement. Adults are reminded that help and support are available. It is normal to feel sad or shocked over the loss of a loved one but do not ever blame yourself. Do things to create memories of your deceased loved one, such as creating a picture album or video tribute. Exercise - this will help you sleep better. Do not use alcohol to help you sleep. - Chief Medical Officer Dr. Roshan Parasram noted that the homeless population is particularly vulnerable at this time, but health officials are working with the Ministry of Social Development to ensure they are protected. Thermal Scanning is being conducted, and they will be clinically managed if they visit health facilities. - The Caura Substance Abuse, Prevention & Treatment Centre is up and running. There have been some modifications due to COVID-19 measures. - Chief Medical Officer Dr. Roshan Parasram to investigate a claim that some emergency health care workers at the South West Regional Health Authority (SWRHA) are not wearing the appropriate medical masks, and are using cloth masks instead. - Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh also assured that the distribution of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is being managed appropriately. There is absolutely no shortage of PPE for health care workers. The SWRHA is expected to get another batch of PPE this morning. - Chief Medical Officer Dr. Roshan Parasram confirmed receiving COVID-19 results from Barbados for the 33 T&T Nationals who returned home earlier this week. The results from Barbados have been forwarded to the County Medical Officer of Health for dissemination to the group. They will undergo the same quarantine protocols as persons who return to this country via air travel (14 days). Watch the Press Conference below in its entirety. This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates.
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