Trinidad and Tobago: Authorities extend some COVID-19 restrictions through September 13 /update 8

Event

Trinidad and Tobago authorities announced that some restrictions, previously implemented in an effort to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), have been extended through September 13, following a recent increase in the number of cases on the Island. Under the extension, some restrictions on business and public activities have been extended.

Restaurants are only permitted for takeaway services, while cinemas and casinos have been ordered to close. Additionally, beaches will remain closed, as well as gyms and water parks. Teaching institutions will remain closed until at least December 31 and all services have been suspended at places of worship. Gatherings of more than five people are prohibited, reduced from 25, while weddings, funerals, and other ceremonies are limited to ten people. Taxis are subject to capacity limits and air transportation between Trinidad and Tobago remain limited to essential travel only.

As of Wednesday, September 2, there have been 1839 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Trinidad and Tobago with 28 associated fatalities. Further international spread of the virus is to be expected in the near term.

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). Since then, human-to-human transmission of the virus has been confirmed.

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

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and tiredness. Some patients may experience other symptoms such as body pains, nasal congestion, headache, conjunctivitis, sore throat, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell or a rash on skin or discoloration of fingers or toes. These symptoms (in most cases mild) appear gradually. Generally, most patients (around 80 percent) recover from the disease without being hospitalized.

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.