Prime Minister’s Media Conference on May 29th, 2021: the following measures to curb the spread of the COVID-19 was announced:
- All food services, caterers, specialty kitchens, and restaurants remain closed.
- For the next week as well, all Hardwares are to remain closed.
- The government will extend the curfew to the daytime period on the two public holidays scheduled this week (Indian Arrival on Monday and Corpus Christi on Thursday). Curfew hours extended from 10am to 5am on the public holidays.
Prime Minister’s Media Conference on May 22nd, 2021: the following measures to curb the spread of the COVID-19 was announced:
- Public Health Regulations extended to July 4th, 2021
Prime Minister’s Media Conference on May 15th, 2021: the following measures to curb the spread of the COVID-19 was announced:
- State of Emergency, Curfew – From midnight tonight, T&T will be under a State of Emergency involving a curfew from 9pm to 5am.
Prime Minister’s Media Conference on May 07th, 2021: the following measures to curb the spread of the COVID-19 was announced:
- All places allowed to open to close at 8pm.
- Public transport to operate at 50% capacity.
- Public gathering reduced to 5.
- Individuals to work from home.
- All construction works to cease.
These measures are applicable from May 08th to May 23rd, 2021.
Prime Minister’s Media Conference on May 03rd, 2021: Dr. Keith Rowley announced the following measures to curb the spread of the COVID-19:
- All food service will be discontinued
- All non-essential retail stores will be closed
- Essential retail stores to be opened from 6am to 8pm.
Update; Prime Minister’s Media Conference on April 29th, 2021: Dr. Keith Rowley announced the following measures to curb the spread of the COVID-19:
- All Restaurants and bars to be closed
- All malls to be closed
- All places of worships to be closed
- All gyms, spars, hairdressers, casions, cinemas to be closed
- Public servants to operate essential services only.
- Tobago to be isolated, flights to be limited to 3 flights per day.
- Ferry to operate at 25% capacity
- All tours will end.
These measures are to be in place till May 23rd, 2021.
Update: Wednesday, March 17th 2021:
Update: Monday, March 01st 2021:
Update: Wednesday, February 24th, 2021:
Update: Monday, February 08th, 2021:
Update: Wednesday, January 27th, 2021:
Update: Monday, December 21st, 2020:
Update: Friday, December 18th, 2020:
Update: Monday, December 14th, 2020:
Update: Wednesday, December 09th, 2020:
Update: Wednesday, November 25th, 2020:
Update: Tuesday, November 24th, 2020:
Update: Friday, November 20th, 2020:
Update: Monday, November 16th, 2020:
Update: Tuesday, November 10th, 2020:
Update: Tuesday, November 03rd, 2020:
Update: Friday, October 30th, 2020:
Update: Monday, October 26th, 2020:
Update: Thursday, October 22nd, 2020:
Update: Wednesday, October 21st, 2020:
Update: Tuesday, October 20th, 2020:
Update: Monday, October 19th, 2020:
Update: Friday, October 16th, 2020:
Update: Wednesday, October 14th, 2020:
Update: Monday, October 12th 2020: Prime Minister’s Media Conference held on October 10th, 2020 updates:
Members of the public can now gather in groups of 10, as Prime Minister Dr the Hon Keith Rowley announced several adjustments to the Public Health Ordinance Regulations during a media conference held at the Diplomatic Centre, St Ann’s today (Saturday 10th October, 2020).
Dr. Rowley also announced the following:
- Funerals will now allow gatherings of 20.
- Measures to be relaxed on bars, restaurants and places of worship by 24th October, once there are no significant increases in positive cases.
- Caribbean Airlines will operate six flights daily to Tobago.
- The Public Service will continue to operate on a 50 percent rotation; however a signed roster will be implemented by Heads of Departments at all work stations to ensure workers do not abuse the system.
- Exemptions have been granted for the operation of tours at the Buccoo Reef and the Caroni Swamp (diving and swimming are still prohibited).
Minister of National Security, the Hon Stuart Young provided an update on exemptions granted to nationals entering and exiting the country:- The total numbers of exemptions granted to enter Trinidad and Tobago as of October 6th, 2020 are 5,284.
- The total numbers of exemptions granted to leave Trinidad and Tobago as of October 6th, 2020 are 7,208.
Update: Friday, October 09th 2020:
Update: Monday, October 05th 2020:
Update: Thursday, August 06th 2020: Highlights from media conference held yesterday by Prime Minister, Dr.Keith Rowley, From tomorrow, all SEA preparation classes will be discontinued. The examination date remains August 20th 2020. Prime Minister Dr the Hon Keith Rowley made the announcement during a media conference held at the Diplomatic Centre, St Ann’s today (Wednesday 05 August, 2020).
Dr Rowley also announced the following:
- Government will continue to monitor the data provided by the Ministry of Health to determine whether schools will reopen as planned on September 1st, 2020.Elements of risk control and risk management will be considered during this review process.
- The Prime Minister urged citizens to adhere to the public health regulations implemented to fight against the COVID-19 virus.
- No decision has been made to close or reduce the operating hours of bars or restaurants. However, they will be subject to increased monitoring in the coming weeks.
- Dr Rowley has instructed the Minister of National Security to liaise with the Trinidad and Tobago Police service to ensure the enforcement of the law at these establishments to curb the spread of the virus.
- The rotation of the Public Service will continue in a bid to limit the spread of COVID-19.
- The 2020 General Elections will not be postponed.
- The Ministry of Finance will provide $200,000USD to Trinidad and Tobago consulates in New-York, Miami, Washington and London to assist nationals abroad.
- Approximately 100 nationals are expected to return from the United States on Saturday 8th August, 2020. 95 nationals are also expected to return from the United Kingdom.
Update: Wednesday, August 05th 2020:
Update: Tuesday, August 04th 2020:
Update: Monday, August 03rd 2020:
Update: Thursday, July 30th 2020:
Update: Wednesday, July 29th 2020: In case you missed it, here are the Key Points from today’s Virtual Media Conference – Wednesday 29th July, 2020.
- Minister of Health, Terrence Deyalsingh, dismissed rumours that are circulating that the Chief Medical Officer has resigned and is at odds with the Government.
- Minister Deyalsingh addressed issues his Ministry is facing with contact tracing and explained that persons are being uncooperative and hostile towards Health Officials. He implored citizens to bear with the questions even if they are personal in nature and cooperate with the process.
- The Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Roshan Parasram, stated that after an investigation it was determined that a person/persons who have recently contracted the virus may have been in contact with people that recently crossed T&T’s borders.
- Minister Deyalsingh when answering a question, indicated that shutting down the country again will cause many economic issues and is a decision that must not be taken lightly. He stated that we as a population must learn to live with the virus and all do our part.
- Minister of Social Development, Camille Robinson-Regis, stated that as of today, 284 million dollars has been spent by her Ministry to assist approximately 1/3 of T&T’s population
Update: Tuesday, July 28th 2020:
Update: Friday, July 24th 2020:
Update: Thursday, July 23rd 2020:
In case you missed it, here are the Key Points from today’s Virtual Media Conference – Thursday 23rd July, 2020:
- Minister of Health, Terrence Deyalsingh confirmed that the latest case of Covid-19 is a child of an employee at the West Mall branch of Republic Bank. The Minister also indicated that after an investigation was conducted, it was determined that there was close contact with 11 Bank employees, all of whom were sent home and await swabbing today. The bank will remain closed while sanitization procedures are underway.
- Minister Deyalsingh renewed his appeal to the population to mask up, sanitize and to stay at home if they are ill.
- The Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Roshan Parasram stated all 8 of the Primary Contacts of case #139 have tested negative for Covid-19 and they continue to be monitored for a 14 day quarantine period. This number includes the contact that would have visited Pennywise and the negative result would have allowed for the store to re-open. Contact tracing for both case #139 and #141 continue.
- Dr. Parasram, when answering a question on if the latest cases could be considered ‘community spread,’ stated that cases are being treated as ‘potentially local cases,’ until proven otherwise.
- The Chief Medical Officer also confirmed that loss of taste and smell are in fact symptoms of Covid-19 and that it was something the population should look out for.
Update: Wednesday, July 15th 2020: Click here to view the Guidelines for Reopening of Schools
Update: Monday, July 13th 2020:
Update: Thursday, July 09th 2020:
Update: Tuesday, July 07th 2020:
Update: Thursday, July 02nd 2020:
Update: Wednesday, July 01st 2020:
Update: Monday, June 29th 2020:
Update: Friday, June 26th 2020:
Update: Thursday, June 25th 2020:
Update: Wednesday, June 24th 2020:
Update: Tuesday, June 23rd 2020:
Update: Monday, June 22nd 2020: Click here to read the Public Health Ordinance Legal Notice 135
In case you missed it, Prime Minister Dr the Hon Keith Rowley made several announcements on Saturday June 20th, 2020 regarding the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions at a media conference at the Scarborough Library.
Here are the measures with respect to Phase 5 which will take effect from Monday June 22, 2020:
- Restaurants (in-house dining) and Bars; Cinemas and Theatres as well as Casinos/Members Clubs to reopen. Establishments to be closed at 10 pm.
- Full reopening of Malls including Food Courts.
- Beaches, Rivers, Amusement Parks and Zoos to reopen.
- Team sports without spectators and Gyms to recommence.
- Educational institutions will be allowed to reopen for the purposes of examinations only, therefore essential staff will be allowed for preparation and conduct of these activities. (full reopening of schools and educational institutions including pre-schools and daycare remain in September to be determined by the Ministry of Education).
- Full Public Service functionality, with optimization of flexi-time and virtual meetings (the Permanent Secretaries and Chief Executive Officers of Statutory Bodies to be guided by the Permanent Secretary to the Prime Minister and Head of the Public Service).
- Public Transport including Inter-Island transport return to normal.
- The Regulations as it relates to congregating in a public space will now move from groups of ten (10) persons to groups of no more than twenty-five (25) persons.
- Events such as funerals, weddings, christenings or any such religious events will now follow the guidelines for places of worship as already issued.
Update: Thursday, June 18th 2020:
Update: Wednesday, June 17th 2020:
Update: Tuesday, June 16th 2020:
Update: Monday, June 15th 2020:
Update: Friday, June 12th 2020:
Update: Wednesday, June 10th 2020: Click here to view Guidelines for Worship
Update: Tuesday, June 09th 2020:
Update: Monday, June 08th 2020:
Key Points from Saturday’s Media Conference hosted by Prime Minister Dr the Hon Keith Rowley:
- Prime Minister Dr the Hon. Keith Rowley announced further relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions at a media conference at the Diplomatic Center, St Anns today (Saturday 06 June, 2020).
- From Monday 08, 2020:
- 10 persons allowed to congregate.
Hairdressers, barbers, spas and domestic workers will be allowed to resume operations.
Public transportation will be allowed to operate at 75 per cent capacity. - Dr. Rowley announced that houses of worship will be allowed to resume activities from Friday 12 June, 2020.
- The Chief Medical Officer will provide guidelines for the resumption of religious services which will include the need for sanitization and social distancing. Worshippers will be required to wear masks to attend services which should not be longer than one hour.
- From June 22:
• The public service rotation system will end and all employees will be asked to return to work on a full time basis.
• All public transport will be allowed to operate at 100 per cent capacity.
• Access to beaches and rivers will resume
• Bars, gyms, casinos, cinemas and in-house dining will be allowed to resume operations.
• Sporting activities will be allowed to resume without spectators. - The Prime Minister also announced that a decision will be made in the coming week regarding the date for the Secondary Entrance Assessment exam.
- Minister of National Security the Hon Stuart Young announced that over the next seven days, approximately 600 -1000 people are expected to return to Trinidad and Tobago.
- Minister Young said 300-400 Trinidad and Tobago students from Barbados and Jamaica to return on June 13th. They will be quarantined at UWI St. Augustine Campus.
- Arrangements are being made to quarantine hundreds of returning cruise ship employees on a Royal Caribbean vessel which will dock in local waters. Trinidad and Tobago public health officials will supervise this exercise.
Update: Friday, June 05th 2020:
Update: Thursday, June 04th 2020:
Update: Wednesday, June 03rd 2020:
Update: Tuesday, June 02nd 2020:
Update: Monday, June 01st 2020:
Update: Sunday, May 31st 2020:Key Points from yesterday’s Media Conference hosted by Prime Minister Dr the Hon Keith Rowley:
Dr Rowley has announced a further relaxation of the COVID-19 restrictions. From Monday June 01, 2020:
- All Retail Businesses will be allowed to reopen but must close at 6 pm.
- The entire public service will be allowed to resume work from Monday. All Managers will be asked to report for duty on June 01, 2020, while other members of staff will be allowed to report for duty on a rotation (every other day).
- Hotels that have outdoor dining facilities will be allowed to serve their guests
- Maxis and taxis will be required to continue operating at 50 per cent capacity.
- Professional service providers can resume work.
- Air transport to Tobago will resume to meet the demand for flights.
- All the activities of the National Lotteries Control Board will resume.
- Gatherings will remain at 5. Funerals will be allowed to have gatherings of 10.
From June 08, 2020:
- Hairdressers, Barbers and Domestic Workers will be allowed to resume duties.
From June 22, 2020:
- Places of Worship will be allowed to reopen.
- Beaches and Rivers will be opened.
- Sporting Activities will be allowed to resume.
Update: Friday, May 29th 2020:
Update: Wednesday, May 27th 2020: Key Highlights from today’s virtual conference
Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh noted that the World Health Organization (WHO) believes we are still in the first wave of COVID-19. Globally, 5.7 million cases of COVID-19 have been recorded, with 352,983 deaths.
- Minister Deyalsingh said people must continue to exercise personal responsibility by wearing a mask in public. Masks must be worn over the nose and mouth and not around the neck or under the chin. People are also urged to practice hand hygiene and stay home if they are ill.
- There are now 85 Returning Nationals quarantined at three facilities. The following is the breakdown:
CASCADIA: 5 quarantined.
TACARIGUA RACQUET CENTRE: 21 quarantined.
UWI Debe Campus: 59 quarantined. - The Minister of National Security Stuart Young noted that thousands of applications have been received from TT Nationals abroad who want to return home. He assured them that they will be permitted to do so, but Government must carefully manage the process to prevent the re-emergence of COVID-19 in T&T. He reminded that all COVID-19 cases in T&T had been imported via travel.
- Minister Young stated that Government is carefully managing the re-entry of TT Nationals and at the same time reopening the economy in Phases – which will see more people moving about in public. He said officials have to ensure that the Public Health system is not overwhelmed. He also stated that the careful management of Returning Nationals will ensure that there is not a “mix” at the various health facilities which could potentially expose them to the spread of infectious diseases.
- Government is speaking with Royal Caribbean on TT cruise ship workers. The cruise line says there may be as much as 360 TT Nationals on their ships, but this still-to-be-confirmed number will overwhelm the system if they all return at the same time. As such, Government is exploring various options, including quarantine on ships or making other facilities available. Officials are awaiting a response from Royal Caribbean on the final number of TT Nationals on board their ships, as well as the possibility of using a vessel as a quarantine facility.
- Minister Young will be meeting (via Zoom) with the Principals of UWI Cave Hill and Mona tonight to discuss the return of TT students. There may be over 200 TT students at these two campuses.
- Chief Medical Officer Dr. Roshan Parasram confirmed that there have been discussions on the reopening of schools with stakeholders. He noted that there is a specific WHO document on schools, with the most critical point being that children and teachers must stay home when they are ill.
- National Security Minister Stuart Young said there is no reason for him to resign over the visit of Venezuela’s VP Delcy Rodriguez. He also noted that there have been two corrections in the newspapers on this matter which indicate that he was not in the wrong. He said, “I am here to serve the people of Trinidad and Tobago.”
- Minister of Communications, Donna Cox, stated the next Media Conference on COVID-19 will be on Saturday May 30th 2020. Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley will address the nation then. She also thanked those who responded to the Ministry of Communications’ call to volunteer as spanish translators.
Update: Tuesday, May 26th 2020: Click here to read ‘The New Normal – Reopening Guidelines’
Update: Friday, May 22nd 2020:
Update: Thursday, May 21st 2020:
Update: Wednesday, May 20th 2020:
Update: Tuesday, May 19th 2020:
Update: Monday, May 18th 2020: Click here to read Guidelines for Facilities/Businesses reopening
Update: Sunday, May 17th 2020: Click here to read Guidelines for Facilities/Businesses reopening
Update: Saturday, May 16th 2020:
Key Points from today’s Media Conference hosted by Prime Minister Dr the Hon Keith Rowley:
- The entire manufacturing and construction sector will be allowed to return to work on Thursday 21st May, 2020 as the Government continues to ease COVID-19 restrictions.
- Prime Minister Dr the Hon Keith Rowley said today Phase 2, initially scheduled to begin on May 24th, 2020 will now commence earlier due to favourable testing results.
- Phase 2 will also include the reopening of :
* Auto repair/parts and tyre shops
* Laundry and dry cleaning services - Public transportation will still be required to operate at a 50% passenger capacity.
- The Prime Minister said as a result, a one-time payment of a TTD2,000 Fuel Support Grant will be made available for registered maxi-taxi and taxi operators. The Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Works and Transport will coordinate this effort. Further details are expected in the coming days.
- Noting that domestic workers and personal services like spas and barber shops present a great risk in the spread of COVID-19, Dr Rowley urged employers/employees of these establishments to have patience, saying that it was still too early to open these areas. In an effort to assist these persons, he announced that the Ministry of Social Development will now give priority to those employed in this sector.
- Dr Rowley said as the government eases restrictions, police officers together with District Medical Officers will execute patrols to ensure compliance with the Public Health Regulations.
- Prime Minister Rowley said Trinidad and Tobago’s borders remain closed, except for the managed introduction of persons from the outside which include UWI students from the Barbados and Jamaica campuses.
- He also encouraged businesses to implement a No Mask/No Service policy.
Update: Friday, May 15th 2020:
Update: Thursday, May 14th 2020:
Update: Wednesday, May 13th 2020:
Update: Tuesday, May 12th 2020:
Update: Monday, May 11th 2020:
Update: Saturday, May 09th 2020: Key highlights from today’s Media Conference, hosted by Prime Minister Dr the Hon Keith Rowley:
- Dr Rowley announced today that adjustments will be made to the COVID-19 Public Health Ordinance Regulations.
- Dr Rowley said the adjustments will take place on a phased basis. Each phase will be determined by the results from the COVID-19 Community testing and monitoring done by the Ministry of Health.
- Phase One: Effective May 11th–23rd May 2020
- The Stay-at-Home measures for non-essential workers will remain in place with the following exceptions:
- Food establishments, restaurants and vendors will be allowed to operate daily until 8 pm. Only takeout, curbside pickup, deliveries and drive-thru will be allowed. All street food businesses will be allowed to resume. No in-house dining allowed.
- Members of the public will be allowed to engage in restricted outdoor exercise – that is, no contact or team sporting events.
- People will be allowed to walk, hike, run in groups of no more than five. Persons must keep six feet away from each other. Masks must be worn during all outdoor activities.
- Hardware, plumbing supplies and electrical stores to operate during the hours of 8 am-4 pm.
- Supermarkets to close at 6 pm.
- Pharmacies to close 8 pm.
- Approval has been granted for three of the country’s major commercial companies to operate. TCL, Nu Iron and WITCO have been allowed to restart operations.
- If COVID- 19 numbers remain low, Phase 2 can commence – 24th May – 6th June 2020.
- Reopening of the country’s whole manufacturing sector.
- All Public Sector Construction can recommence.
- 50 percent capacity in public transport will continue.
- Phase 3 (7th June – 20th June 2020)
- All of the public service will return to work with elements of flexitime where possible.
- All private sector construction may recommence at that time.
- Consideration will be made for public transportation to resume to 75 percent.
- These undermentioned phases will include the reopening of the following:
- Phase 4: The reopening of malls and beaches
- Phase 5: The reopening of cinemas.
- Phase 6: The reopening of the country’s borders.
Update: Friday, May 08th 2020:
Update: Thursday, May 07th 2020:
Update: Wednesday, May 06th 2020:
Update: Monday, May 04th 2020:
Update: Friday, May 01st 2020:
Update: Tuesday, April 28th 2020:
Update: Saturday, April 25th 2020: Key highlights from the Media Conference held today.
- The Stay at Home Order will be extended to May 15th, 2020.
- Prime Minister Dr the Hon. Keith Rowley said the extension has become necessary to allow health officials to expand testing. Dr Rowley said based on the results from the increased surveillance tests, an announcement will be made by May 10th, 2020 to determine whether Trinidad and Tobago is in a position to relax restrictions.
- From Monday 27th April, there will be an increase in COVID-19 testing, with up to 50 Surveillance Tests per day. Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Roshan Parasram confirmed that the increased testing capacity is necessary to determine whether there is COVID-19 community spread in Trinidad and Tobago. The Ministry of Health is expected to complete up to 700 tests.
- Trinidad and Tobago’s borders will remain closed until May 15. Schools are also to remain closed during this period.
- Dr Rowley urged members of the public to stay at home, continue with good hygiene, and practice physical distancing.
- The updated regulations will relax the current restriction on hardware stores which will now be allowed to open for half-day from Monday to Saturday.
- Financial support and care packages will be sent to UWI Students on campuses where the Government has liabilities and responsibilities.
- An appeal has been made to landlords, particularly those who have tenants who have lost their jobs or had their income reduced to have a heart and be lenient during this time. Prime Minister Rowley reminded landlords that under the laws of Trinidad and Tobago one month’s notice is required to evict a tenant.
- Dr Rowley said the relationship between Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados continues to be as good as it has ever been and both countries remain close. Dr Rowley said a difference of opinion on a matter is not a fallout.
Update: Monday, April 20th 2020:
Update: Sunday, April 19th 2020:
Update: Tuesday April 14th, 2020:
Update – Wednesday, 08th April 2020:
Update – Tuesday, 07th April 2020:
Update – Monday, 06th April 2020: Media conference held today, the Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley advised that (1) Stay at Home order extended till the April 30th, 2020 (2) Masks to be worn whilst in public (3) All restaurants to be closed till April 30th, 2020. All food services closed until April 30th (4) Schools will not reopen on April 20th, (5) Opening hours for businesses: hardware: 8am to 12noon, Pharmacies: till 8pm daily, Groceries: till 6pm daily.
Key takeaways from today’s Media Conference hosted by Prime Minister, Dr the Honourable Keith Rowley.
- The Stay at Home regulations are now extended until April 30th.
- Effective tomorrow (Tuesday April 7th) , ALL food establishments are to be closed until April 30th.
- Business hours to be shortened as follows:
Hardware stores including electrical and plumbing establishments to be open from 8AM to 12PM.
All Retail services, such as discount stores, markets, supermarkets, fruits & vegetable stalls, bakeries and “parlours” which provide food or other necessities of life, will be required to close to the public by 6PM daily.
Wholesale stores for the provision of food, medicine or other necessities of life will be required to close by 4PM daily.
All Pharmacies will be required to close by 8PM daily. - Effective immediately, all persons in public are to wear masks. The Ministry of Health is set to distribute masks in due course.
- Ministry of Health to distribute cloth masks through Members of Parliament, Regional Corporations or areas of high traffic. Cloth Masks can be re-used once washed properly.
- All 8 Covid-19 related deaths were people in the at risk category, that is, elderly persons with pre-existing conditions.
- The Minister of Health said there is no ventilator shortage at this time, 52 ventilators are available exclusively for Covid-19 and the Government is currently sourcing more.
- The Minister of National Security stated that Fishermen are Essential and the sale of fish on the roadside/markets will continue. He also reiterated that social distancing rules have to be adhered to when purchasing fish.
- Prime Minister Dr. Rowley said tensions between the US and Venezuela are cause for concern. He said CARICOM will try to maintain its function as a zone of peace and will remain under the umbrella of the United Nations.
Update – Sunday, 05th April 2020:
Update – Friday, 03rd April 2020: Click to view the update to The Public Health Ordinance Legal Notice 66
Update – Thursday, 02nd April 2020:
Update – Wednesday, 01st April 2020: Click to view the updated The Public Health Ordinance Ch 12 No 4
Update – Tuesday, 31st March 2020: Media Conference held today, Minister of National Security advised the public that no more than five individuals in public gatherings.
Key Highlights:
- A Decision was taken to further reduce public gatherings from 10 persons to 5 persons. The Regulations will be amended today to reflect this change.
- No decision has been made yet to extend the time of the existing Restrictions.
- The regulations that cover public gatherings do NOT apply to outside banks and supermarkets, citizens are advised to practice social distancing in those settings.
- TT Spirit has been taken off the sea bridge. The Galleons passage & Jean de la Vallette will make 1 trip per day and Cargo vessel, the Cabo Star will operate as normal.
- Members of the public with no recent travel history or contact with a Covid-19 positive case are NOT a priority for testing.
- To get a true positive test, the person being tested has to have symptoms as certain viral load levels are required for the test to detect the virus. An asymptomatic person will give a false negative test result.
- Operate as if everyone has the COVID-19 Virus. Practice Social Distancing!
Update – Monday, 30th March 2020:
Update – Friday, 27th March 2020: The Public Health Ordinance Ch. 12 No. 4 made by the Minister under section 105 of the Public Health Ordinance. Click link to view:
The Public Health Ordinance Ch 12. No. 4
These Regulations shall have effect from 30 March 2020 to 15 April 2020 unless revoked earlier.
Update – Thursday, 26th March 2020: Media conference held today at 2:00pm, the Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Rowley advise that all non-essential activities will be barred from midnight Sunday. The TTPS will be charged to enforce the law. The Ministry of National Security will release the list of essential services. This will be implemented till April 15th, 2020.
Key highlights:
- As of midnight on Sunday 29th March, all non-essential activities will be prohibited until April 15th. The Ministry of National Security will provide a comprehensive list of essential services and activities. The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service supported by the Defence Force will enforce the full brunt of the law. THIS IS NOT A STATE OF EMERGENCY!
- Government to begin virtual media conferences as a protective measure against COVID-19.
- Ministry of Health to receive an additional $157 million to be allocated over the next three to six months to increase capacity at four Regional Health Authorities to deal with COVID-19. The allocation will be spent on consumables, human resources, infrastructure, and equipment.
The breakdown as announced:
NCRHA- $129.9 million
ERHA- $6.2 million
NWRHA- $16.6 million
SWRHA- $4.5 million
- Customer Service Representatives have been placed at all 11 offices of the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services to assist citizens who have been negatively affected by the impact of COVID-19. Forms have been placed on the Ministry’s website and call centres are operational.
Update – Wednesday, 25th March 2020:
Media Conference held by the Ministry of Health at 11 am, The Minister of Health reports that 370 samples tested and sixty (60) positive. He urged individuals to use the COVID-19 Hotline – 877-WELL.
Update – Tuesday, 24th March 2020: The Ministry of Health reports the following:
Update – Monday, 23rd March 2020: Tobago confirmed its first case of COVID-19 today bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 52 in Trinidad and Tobago.
Media conference – COVID-19 held today at 2 pm. key highlights:
- Testing will be expanded to the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex (EWMSC) where a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) machine will be validated by CARPHA to supplement testing efforts.
- An additional PCR machine will be placed at the Trinidad Public Health Laboratory to assist in expanding testing by the end of the week.
- Citizens are being urged to not send their samples to private labs who claim to be doing rapid COVID-19 tests. These private labs are not equipped with PCR machines and therefore the results will be inaccurate.
- The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service ‘555′ Hotline will be dedicated to taking calls related to persons breaching the public health ordinance.
- A Salary Relief Grant will be provided to citizens who have lost income as a result of the impact of COVID-19. They will have access to $1500 per month over a three-month period from the National Insurance Board.
- Food Card support of $510.00 per month for three months for households where a family member was retrenched, terminated or income reduced during this period.
- The Government will pay all persons who are owed income tax refunds of $20,000 or less next week.
- VAT refunds to be paid to people owned up to $250,000 in March. Payment of VAT Bonds will begin next month.
- The Trinidad and Tobago Mortgage Finance and Home Mortgage Bank to begin payment deferrals for three months in the first instance.
- Government will provide $100 million to the Credit Union movement to allow them to provide loans to their members at favourable interest rates with a long repayment period beginning after the situation normalises.
- Government will provide $50 million as part of a grant facility for Tobago hoteliers to upgrade their premises. Government will also supplement the THA’s Enterprise Development Facility with up to an additional $5 million
- All permanent residence and citizenship interviews will be suspended until further notice. All applicants will be contacted with new dates of appointments. Persons who were unable to leave Trinidad and Tobago by 22nd March, those whose landing certificates may have expired or those whose certificates will expire by 30th April, will be granted an extension of stay until June 22nd 2020.
- Rental Assistance for up to $2500.00 per month for an initial period of three months for persons who have been retrenched, terminated or if the household income was reduced as a result of the impact of COVID-19.
The Ministry reports that there are now 51 confirmed cases within Trinidad and Tobago.
Update – Sunday, 22nd March 2020: Public Health (2019 Novel Coronavirus [2019-nCoV]) (NO. 3) Regulations, 2020
For the purposes of controlling and preventing the spread of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV), it shall be an offence, during the period specified in regulation 5(b), for any person–
(a) to conduct the business of a bar, whether or not the person is a licensed person under the Liquor Licences Act;
(b) to operate a club as defined in section 2 of the Registration of Clubs Act;
(c) to operate a theatre licensed under the Cinematograph Act;
(d) to operate a common gaming house or betting office licensed under the Gambling and Betting Act;
(e) to conduct religious or ecclesiastical services or any other religious gatherings where the number of persons participating therein exceeds ten; or
(f) to provide the amenity of seated dining at a restaurant to any customer.
These regulations shall expire on 30 April 2020 unless revoked earlier.
Update – Saturday, 21st March 2020: At a media conference, The Minister of Health just announced that there are forty (40) new cases of COVID-19 in T&T . Thus, this brings the total number of confirmed cases to forty-nine (49). The additional 40 cases, were nationals who returned to T&T from a Caribbean cruise on March 18th 2020.
All 49 persons are currently in Quarantine.
Update – Friday, 20th March 2020:
Update – Thursday, 19th March 2020: Legal Notice No. 54 below which indicates that for the purposes of controlling and preventing the spread of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus, it shall be an offence for any person to conduct the business of a bar, to operate as a club or to provide seated dining at a restaurant.
This will be in effect for the period 21st March 2020 to 31st July 2020.
Ministry of Communications Fact Sheets
Update – Thursday, 19th March 2020: At a media conference held at 1:15 pm, the Minister of Health, Terrence Deyalsingh advised that media releases on COVID-19 positive or negative cases will now be released twice per day at 10 am. and 4 pm. respectively.
Key Highlights:
- The Ministry of Health announced a policy change for media releases on persons who have tested positive for COVID-19 in Trinidad and Tobago. These media releases will now be issued at 10:00 am and 4:00 pm daily. Minister of Health, the Hon Terrence Deyalsingh indicated that previously information was shared as soon as it was received, however due to complaints from the media, it will now be sent at set times.
- Trinidad and Tobago’s response to managing COVID-19 is being used as a model in other countries.
- The Government will be taking legislation to the parliament to regulate the Public Health Ordinance which allows the Minister of Health to make regulations to stop the opening of bars and restrict in-house dining during the 14-day ban.
- The Ministry of Health urges citizens to take care of their mental health during this time, especially people who have been placed on self-isolation.
- Citizens are being urged to be responsible on social media.
- Patient confidentiality remains a priority
- National Security Minister Stuart Young said the Chaguaramas Development Authority has decided to close access to beaches in Chaguaramas (Macqueripe, Williams Bay and Chagville).
Update – Wednesday 18th March 2020: At a media conference held at 1:30 pm, the Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Rowley advises that irresponsibility will not be tolerated and access to Caura, River limes will be restricted. He thanked the health workers and security services for their co-operation.
He asks (1) banks defer mortgages and loans for the period April to May, (2) asks businesses not to reduce workforce in this time of crisis , (3) ask HDC, TTMF to defer mortgages/ rental dues for the period April to May 2020.
He further started that (1) the government will make more forex available to businesses (2) SEA exams to be held later in the month of May (3) recommend no more than 10 persons to gather.
Minister of Finance, Mr. Colm Imbert stated that (1) repo rate reduced to 3.5% (2) prime lending rate will drop to 6% (3) Banks to implement skipper payment on loans to all customers in the first instance for one month. (4) credit card interest rates to reduce by 10 % points.
Key Highlights:
- Government to determine whether it can revoke the licenses of bars that do not adhere to the 14-day ban.
- Local Government Corporations have been asked to restrict access to rivers across the country.
- The Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA) and other regional exams are postponed to a date to be announced.
- The Government has asked the Housing Development Corporation and The Trinidad and Tobago Mortgage Finance Company Ltd. to defer rental and mortgage payments for one month in the first instance.
- Commercial banks have agreed to provide all customers with the option to skip a payment for a month on loans and mortgages. During this time penalties are to be waived, and interest rates to be reduced to 10% points on credit cards.
- To reduce the lending rate, Central Bank has reduced the reserve requirement of commercial banks from 17% to 14%.
- The allocation of Foreign Exchange to be increased for the purchase of essential items such as pharmaceuticals and basic food items.
- Government to increase social services grants and the number of available food cards. Students currently under the School Feeding Programme will be absorbed under the food card programme.
- The Government to prioritise its payment of debt to businesses to facilitate job preservation.
- Today 24,695 pieces of Personal Protection Equipment (goggles, face masks, gowns) were delivered to NIPDEC for health care workers.
- Tobago will not be left behind as an allocation will be available to Tobago to assist hoteliers. The Ministers of Trade, Tourism and Finance will also travel to Tobago this week to assess the situation.
- Gatherings of ten or more people should be avoided to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
- The Government extended a special thank you to healthcare workers, security services and the heads of the business communities who continue to work during this period.
In addition, Social Support Strategies for vulnerable persons affected by COVID-19
Update – Tuesday 17th March 2020 : The Ministry of Health, Trinidad and Tobago, advises the population of two new confirmed cases.
Update – Tuesday 17th March 2020
Update – Tuesday 17th March 2020 : Ministry of Communications Fact Sheets
Update – Monday 16th March 2020 – At a media conference today the Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley advised that (1)non-nationals will not be allowed entry into Trinidad and Tobago for the next 14 days (2) all bars to closed (3) all gatherings over 25 restricted (4) all schools to remain closed until April 20th 2020 (5) borders will be closed from midnight tomorrow. He warned the public to stop congregating and do not travel now.
Update – Sunday 15th March 2020
Update – Sunday 15th March 2020 – The Ministry of Health advises of two more confirmed cases of COVID-19 Coronavirus Disease.
Update – Sunday 15th March 2020- UPDATE: GUIDELINES FOR EMPLOYERS/EMPLOYEES FOR COVID-19
1) Children are not to be at workplaces/compound/vehicle etc.
2) All parents are encouraged to use support systems (babysitter, family, etc.)
3) Employers are to implement remote work policies.
4) Employers are to explore options of shift work/ or rostering.
5) One parent is encouraged to stay at home and look after the child or children.
6) If work arrangements can’t be made, the employee is to stay at home and can’t be penalized or not be paid in such an instance.
7) If you are not genuinely sick don’t stay away from work.
8) Pandemic leave for Public Officers (contract or not), fixed terms employees, short term, OJT, officeholders who are with service commission, freelancers, persons employed less than a year, daily paid, etc.
9) Mechanisms in place for Public officers with no more sick leave can get an extension of sick leave with full pay.
10) Minister of Labour advises private employers with the union to seek guidance with respect to sick leave clearance for employees who need Pandemic leave. If there is no union. seek guidance from the Ministry (Conciliation Advisory and Advocacy Division). 299 0300 ext 2043, 2124.
#COVID19 #Guidelines #MinistryOfLabour #TTT
Ministry of Labour and Small Enterprise Development
Update – #22 Ministry of Health
Update – Saturday, 14th March 2020: Media conference held at 4:10 pm with the Minister of Health Terrence Deyalsingh, Minister of National Security Stuart Young, Minister of Communications Donna Cox and Dr. Trotman.
Minister of Health Terrence Deyalsingh advised the public that (1) visiting hours at hospitals will be reduced to one session [i.e between 4pm and 6pm., further to this, only one visitor will be allowed per patient for the exception where health professionals decide at their discretion. (2) Pediatric wards, only parents and legal guardians will be allowed to stay with children at the pediatric wards. (3) Couva hospital and Caura hospital have been isolated to deal with COVID-19 Coronavirus Disease (4) Port of Spain, Sangre Grande, San Fernando will be equipped with an isolation room for persons exhibiting symptoms. and (5) if necessary the Arima hospital will become another point for isolating COVID-19 patients (6) Only travel where it is absolutely necessary.
Minister of Stuart Young advised that (1) individuals who have traveled should self isolate themselves. (2) avoid mass gatherings, (3) Do not cause panic and (4) practice social distancing.
Update – Friday, 13th March 2020: The Ministry of Health, Trinidad and Tobago, advises of the country’s second confirmed case of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Update – Friday, 13th March 2020 Prime Minister Dr. the Hon Keith Rowley made the announcement whilst in Parliament that effective tomorrow all places of learning inclusive of schools and universities will remain closed for one week, in the first instance, in order to slow the potential spread of COVID-19.
Thursday, 12th March 2020 the Minister of Health Terrence Deyalsingh confirmed the first case of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Trinidad and Tobago. The announcement was made via a news conference at the Ministry of Health.
Amalgamated Security Services Limited is proactively taking steps to safeguard our workforce. The organization has activated its Crisis Management and Business Continuity Plan for Pandemic Influenza. As part of our measures for monitoring and keeping employees and clients abreast of the global COVID-19 outbreak confirmed as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO), we will be providing updates and guidance on preparing your workplace including preventive steps to safeguard our workforce and clients regionally.
We urge each one of you to practice hygiene and to visit our page frequently for updates.
