Principal Medical Officer – Epidemiology, Dr. Naresh Nandram, confirmed that the most recent COVID-19 case is a 43 year old man who presented at the Arima District Health Facility. Officials became aware of this case last night and have begun investigations. There are at least 8 persons in this household (3 adult males, 3 adult females and 2 children). One child in this household is an SEA student at the Tacarigua Presbyterian School. The school is closed from today and contact tracing for students, families and teachers has begun. The COVID-19 patient, a delivery driver, was symptomatic for six days and went to work every day. Officials are testing everyone the individual came into contact with through work, and sanitisation has begun at business places.
Contact tracing and swabbing continue for Primary, Secondary and Tertiary contacts for the recently confirmed COVID-19 Positive case. Technical Director, Epidemiology Division at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Avery Hinds, said officials are working at pinpointing the definitive source for the recent COVID-19 case. Health officials are also concentrating on preventing spread and this is why the public is urged to wear face masks and practice proper hygiene at all times.
The recent cases of COVID-19 have been deemed “sporadic.” If there is a reclassification of these cases, it will be through official channels from the World Health Organization.
Dr. Nandram encouraged people to wear face masks and to stay home if they are ill. – Do not go to work.- Keep sick children at home. – Get tested immediately at any public health facility. – COVID-19 Hotline numbers: 800-WELL (Trinidad) and 800-HEAL (Tobago).
Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh noted that the recent cases of COVID-19 cropped up along the East-West Corridor. He also noted two lapses that came to the fore last week: the decrease in people wearing masks and people refusing to stay home when they are ill.
Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh urged leaders to wear masks and be an example to citizens. The public must assume that everyone has COVID-19 and take the necessary precautions related to the New Normal.
In addition to the PCR Test, a serological test is to be introduced for COVID-19 cases.
People are encouraged to be honest when answering questions regarding COVID-19. To withhold information is an offence.