Trinidad and Tobago: Authorities to begin easing COVID-19 restrictions from May 12 /update 4

Event

On Saturday, May 9, Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley announced that Trinidad and Tobago will commence the first phase of the easing of restrictions put in place to control the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on Tuesday, May 12. The initial phase will include the reopening of some business sectors but only under certain health conditions. Restaurants and other food establishments may reopen for takeaway and delivery services, but in-service dining and congregations of more than five people are prohibited. Hardware stores, pharmacies, and supermarkets will be allowed to operate 12-hours a day. Other measures will remain in place, including stay-at-home orders for those not undertaking essential work. Schools will remain shut until September and churches are not yet permitted to reopen. Rowley also confirmed that the country's borders will continue to be closed until June.

As of May 10, health authorities have recorded 116 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with eight associated deaths. Further international spread of the virus is expected over the coming days and weeks.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and trouble breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly, and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.