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According to reports, a cement truck overturned shortly before 6pm this evening (Saturday 21st May 2022) on the Southbound lane of the Sir Solomon Hochoy Highway. The accident occurred under the Indian Trail Overpass, just after the Couva Multi-Training Facility and Hospital.
Rescue crews are on the scene and traffic has been backed up to Preysal heading South as of 6:30pm. Traffic is expected to be crawling until the area is cleared. Motorists are advised to seek alternative routes. There is no information at this time about what caused the cement truck to overturn, or whether anyone was seriously injured. This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates. [Source: Loop]
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The Ministry of Health revealed in its daily COVID-19 update this afternoon (Saturday 21st May 2022) that there are 517 new COVID-19 cases in Trinidad and Tobago and zero (0) additional deaths. T&T’s total active positive cases is currently at 9,187.
This is the fifth consecutive day in which cases have crossed 400. The number of new cases represents a 22.22% increase in reported cases from yesterday. The number of new deaths matches the lowest for the month (0 also on 6th May 2022). There have been 10,013 new cases and sixty-one (61) deaths so far in the month of May. The Ministry reported 423 new cases yesterday plus four (4) more unfortunate deaths. The country’s death toll remains at 3,890. As of 18th May 2022, 276 deaths were fully vaccinated persons while 3,217 deaths were not fully vaccinated. 390 deaths were recorded prior to 24th May 2021 (date at which the first group of vaccinated persons became fully vaccinated). A total of 712,228 persons have been fully vaccinated, representing 50.9% of the population. Meanwhile, 687,772 persons are not fully vaccinated (only received a first dose or no doses), representing 49.1% of the population. 154,205 persons in total have taken a booster shot. Based on data from 22nd July 2021 - 18th May 2022, 3,453 patients in the parallel healthcare system (Hospitals and step-down facilities) are fully vaccinated, representing 18.7%, while 15,046 are not fully vaccinated, representing 81.3%. The Ministry states that the number of positive cases reported reflects the samples taken during a 4-day period between 17th - 20th May 2022 and not the last twenty-four (24) hours. The Ministry also notes that there are currently 199 COVID-19 positive patients in total being treated at Hospitals and step-down facilities (down 1.97% from yesterday). Five (5) are in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and five (5) are in the High Dependency Unit (HDU). This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates. Pictured Above: Suspect Tyrese Stewart, 21. A 21-year-old labourer accused of rape, false imprisonment and attempted grievous sexual assault, was granted $200,000 bail with surety, by Magistrate Brambhanan Dubay, in the Arima Magistrates’ Court on 17th May 2022. The matter is set for hearing on 14th June 2022.
Tyrese Stewart, also known as Santana, of Phase Seven, La Horquetta, was arrested and charged with the offences by WPC Fletcher Johnson on 16th May 2022. According to a Police report, a 20-year-old woman visited the La Horquetta Police Station on 16th May 2022, and alleged that while at a friend’s house on that same date, a man locked her in a room and had sexual intercourse with her against her will. An investigation was launched and Stewart was arrested and charged in connection with the incident. A 43-year-old woman from Couva was allegedly kidnapped on Thursday (19th May 2022) and a $3,000 ransom demanded from her family for her safe return. According to a Police report, the woman contacted her relatives around 4pm, claiming that she was kidnapped by three (3) men and being taken to an unknown location.
At the time, she told relatives that from looking out of the window of the car, she believed she was somewhere in Arima. The relatives contacted Police and Officers from the Central Division and the Northern Division responded. Roadblocks were set up in the Arima community, but the victim was not located. Police said around 10pm relatives received another call from the victim, who was put on to talk to Police. The woman alleged that the men were demanding $3,000 for her safe return and were threatening to kill her if the money was not paid. The Anti-Kidnapping Unit has been contacted and is aiding with enquiries into this incident. Police said they believe that the ransom figure demanded matches the amount that a member of the victim’s family owed a man for outstanding work. Investigations are continuing. This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates. [Source: T&T Guardian] The Ministry of Health revealed in its daily COVID-19 update this afternoon (Friday 20th May 2022) that there are 423 new COVID-19 cases in Trinidad and Tobago plus four (4) additional deaths. T&T’s total active positive cases is currently at 9,040.
This is the fourth consecutive day in which cases have crossed 400. The number of new cases represents a 31% decrease in reported cases from yesterday. The number of new deaths matches the second highest for the month. There have been 9,496 new cases and sixty-one (61) deaths so far in the month of May. The Ministry reported 613 new cases yesterday plus three (3) more unfortunate deaths. The country’s death toll has increased to 3,890. As of 18th May 2022, 276 deaths were fully vaccinated persons while 3,217 deaths were not fully vaccinated. 390 deaths were recorded prior to 24th May 2021 (date at which the first group of vaccinated persons became fully vaccinated). A total of 712,170 persons have been fully vaccinated, representing 50.9% of the population. Meanwhile, 687,830 persons are not fully vaccinated (only received a first dose or no doses), representing 49.1% of the population. 153,508 persons in total have taken a booster shot. Based on data from 22nd July 2021 - 18th May 2022, 3,453 patients in the parallel healthcare system (Hospitals and step-down facilities) are fully vaccinated, representing 18.7%, while 15,046 are not fully vaccinated, representing 81.3%. The Ministry states that the number of positive cases reported reflects the samples taken during a 4-day period between 16th - 19th May 2022 and not the last twenty-four (24) hours. The Ministry also notes that there are currently 203 COVID-19 positive patients in total being treated at Hospitals and step-down facilities (down 0.49% from yesterday). Six (6) are in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and six (6) are in the High Dependency Unit (HDU). This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates. The Ministry of Health is advising the public of an emerging public health threat concerning the detection of cases of the Monkeypox virus (a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus in the family Poxviridae) in several overseas territories. It should be noted that no suspected case(s) have been reported in Trinidad and Tobago at this time.
The Ministry says, in this regard, Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh convened a meeting today (Friday 20th May 2022) to address reports of the detection of this virus. The following agencies and personnel were represented at the meeting: Ministry of Health
PAHO
The Ministry is advising the public that the main symptoms of Monkeypox are fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. The virus is transmitted to humans through close contact with an infected person or animal, or with contaminated material such as bedding. The virus may also be transmitted from one person to another by close contact with lesions, body fluids and respiratory droplets. The public is further advised that “if you or anyone close to you, have had a recent travel history from any country where cases have been detected and are symptomatic, as described above, please visit your nearest health care provider.” For a full list of these countries, persons can visit the WHO website at www.who.int/emergencies/emergency-events/item/monkeypox. The Ministry says the public will be kept abreast on any further developments regarding this emerging health threat as more information becomes available. This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates. While visiting the Paddock, Queen's Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain to get his second booster shot today (Friday 20th May 2022), Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh said he is paying attention to the global increase in cases of Monkeypox. Speaking with Newsday about possible cases of Monkeypox in the Caribbean and specifically in Trinidad and Tobago, Minister Deyalsingh said the issue has been discussed and he is concerned. “I just had an emergency meeting Thursday morning with the Health Team headed by Chief Medical Officer Dr. Roshan Parasram, Epidemiologist Dr. Avery Hinds, Primary Medical Officer Dr. Maryam Abdool-Richards, the vaccination team, and representatives from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO),” he said. The Minister added, “We must not take this lightly, which is why we had an emergency meeting today and will give more details today at 3pm.” No suspected case(s) have been reported in the country at this time. What is Monkeypox and where did it originate?
Monkeypox, which is an extremely rare disease and a cousin of Smallpox, got its name in 1958 when “two outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred in colonies of monkeys kept for research,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, the main disease carrier of Monkeypox is still unknown, although “African rodents are suspected to play a part in transmission,” the agency said. The first known case of Monkeypox in people was “recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo during a period of intensified effort to eliminate Smallpox,” the CDC said. After forty (40) years with no reported cases, Monkeypox re-emerged in Nigeria in 2017, the CDC said. Since then, there have been more than 450 reported cases in Nigeria and at least eight (8) known exported cases internationally, the agency said. Monkeypox is mostly found in West and Central Africa, but additional cases have been seen in Europe, including the United Kingdom, and other parts of the world in recent years. Those cases are typically linked to international travel or imported animals infected with the pox, the CDC said. Where are the current cases of Monkeypox? So far, cases of Monkeypox have been detected in the United States, the United Kingdom, Spain, and Portugal. The first case was reported only a few days ago, on 7th May 2022. A case of Monkeypox was reported Wednesday (18th May 2022) in a patient hospitalized in Massachusetts who had recently traveled to Canada in private transportation. On Thursday (19th May 2022), Spain confirmed seven (7) cases of Monkeypox in Madrid and are investigating another twenty-two (22); Italy confirmed its first case; and Canadian Public Health Officials announced they are investigating seventeen (17) suspected cases of Monkeypox in Montreal. Meanwhile, several cases of Monkeypox in the United Kingdom among people who have no known travel or contact with others with the virus, have Health Officials there and at the CDC concerned. What are the initial symptoms of Monkeypox? There is an incubation period of some seven (7) to fourteen (14) days, the CDC said. Initial symptoms are typically flu-like, such as fever, chills, exhaustion, headache and muscle weakness, followed by swelling in the lymph nodes, which help the body fight infection and disease. “A feature that distinguishes infection with Monkeypox from that of Smallpox is the development of swollen lymph nodes,” the CDC said. Next comes a widespread rash on the face and body, including inside the mouth and on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. The painful, raised poxes are pearly and fluid-filled, often surrounded by red circles. The lesions finally scab over and resolve over a period of two (2) to three (3) weeks, the CDC said. “Treatment is generally supportive as there are no specific drugs available. However, a vaccine is available that can be given to prevent the development of disease,” Jimmy Whitworth, Professor of International Public Health at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said in a statement. How is Monkeypox spread? Close contact with an infected individual is required for the spread of the Monkeypox virus, experts say. Infection can develop after exposure to “broken skin, mucous membranes, respiratory droplets, infected body fluids or even contact with contaminated linen,” Neil Mabbott, Personal Chair in Immunopathology at the Veterinary School of the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, said in a statement. Is there a Monkeypox vaccine? There is no specific Monkeypox vaccine, but vaccination against Smallpox — a closely related virus — has been shown to protect against the disease. Data from Africa suggests that the Smallpox vaccine is at least 85% effective at preventing Monkeypox, according to the CDC. Vaccination soon after exposure might also help prevent the disease or make it less severe. Routine Smallpox vaccination has not occurred in the U.S. since the disease was eradicated in 1972, although there is a National stockpile. This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates. [Sources: Newsday | CNN] The photo above, courtesy of the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS), shows a very hazy view (due to Saharan dust) from San Fernando Hill facing North Trinidad at 11:30am today (Friday 20th May 2022).
According to the Met Office, the Saharan dusk risk level for today on its new 7-day Saharan Dust Haze Index Forecast is “Extreme”, and on Saturday (21st May 2022) it is forecast to be “Very High.” Sensitive persons are advised to continue to take the necessary precautions. The new Saharan Dust Haze Index Forecast and Air Quality Index Forecast products from the TTMS are now available at: metoffice.gov.tt/forecast. Click on “Dust” and “Air Quality” to view the products. Pictured Above: Suspects Marlon Soodeen (Left) and Vinod Sookdeo (Right). Two (2) men were sentenced to 18-months’ hard labour each, after they pleaded guilty to larceny of Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT) cables. Marlon Soodeen, 34, of Rio Claro and Vinod Sookdeo, 41, of Biche, were handed the sentences when they appeared before Rio Claro Magistrate Taramatie Ramdass on Wednesday (18th May 2022), to answer to the charges.
According to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), between 1am and 5am on Tuesday (17th May 2022), Officers of the Eastern Division were on patrol along the Tabaquite Road, in Rio Claro, when they observed two (2) male suspects wrapping what appeared to be TSTT cables on the side of the roadway. Upon checking, the Officers found a quantity of cable which were cut from nearby TSTT poles and a number of cable cutting implements in the suspects’ possession. The men were arrested and subsequently charged with larceny of the cables by PC Leston Billy, of the Rio Claro Police Station. Investigations were supervised by Insp. Ragbir and Sgt. Maharaj. The Ministry of Health is advising that approval has been granted for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to be used as a second booster dose for members of the public who fall into the following categories:
The Ministry says the decision to administer booster doses was made based on the findings of seven (7) studies conducted on the effectiveness of a second COVID-19 booster. These findings were reviewed and approved by the World Health Organization's Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) and the National Immunization Technical Advisory Group. Eligible individuals can now get their second COVID-19 vaccine booster four (4) to six (6) months after receiving their initial booster. The Pfizer COVID-19 booster vaccines are available at the following locations across Trinidad and Tobago: NWRHA
ERHA
NCRHA
SWRHA
THRA
Persons must have a valid form of identification and their vaccination card (with COVID-19 vaccinations recorded) to receive their booster vaccine. The Ministry says it will provide further information regarding the COVID-19 Booster Vaccine Schedule as required. Persons can visit the Ministry's official social media pages or website at www.health.gov.tt, for further information on the COVID-19 vaccine and booster programme. |
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