Trinidad and Tobago: Authorities likely to maintain COVID-19-related border closures and internal restrictions through early January /update 16

Trinidad and Tobago likely to maintain COVID-19-related border closures and internal restrictions through early January.

Event

Authorities in Trinidad and Tobago are likely to maintain the closure of the nation's airports and seaports to international passenger aircraft and vessels, as well as other restrictions relating to curbing the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) through at least early January. Only citizens and legal residents, including students, and cruise ship employees who apply for an exemption are being allowed re-entry, subject to mandatory quarantine protocols.

Returning nationals and authorized residents are required to present a negative COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) recorded 72 hours before arrival. Upon arrival, passengers will be placed in a state or state-supervised quarantine facility for seven days; they will be tested on the sixth day and released once this test is negative. International and regional flights and cargo vessels transporting food, pharmaceuticals, and cargo are permitted entry; however, unauthorized crews are not permitted to disembark vessels.

Domestic Measures
Although most nonessential commercial and recreational activity has been allowed to resume, previously established operating protocols and capacity limits are likely to continue to be enforced until further notice. Nonetheless, authorities continue to revise measures as part of the country's ongoing recovery plan. Most recently, supermarkets, grocery stores, and other food supply outlets were allowed to operate on a 24-hour basis until Jan. 3. As of Dec. 16, authorities have not announced any changes to the following pandemic-related operating requirements:

Restaurants may offer in-house dining at 50-percent capacity with seating in groups of no more than 10 people; however, alcohol may not be sold.
Cinemas and gyms may operate at 50-percent capacity.
Casinos and members clubs may reopen at 50-percent capacity; the sale of food is allowed at casinos, but not at members clubs.
Services at places of worship can be extended to 90 minutes each at 50-percent capacity.
Sports teams engaged in national and international competitions may resume full activity.
All beaches and coastal waters are opened to the public 0600-1800. Rivers and ponds remain closed.
Teaching institutions will remain closed. Schools may reopen for virtual learning from Jan. 4.
Water parks are to remain closed, and contact sports are suspended.
Maxi-taxis and taxis may operate at 65-percent capacity.
Gatherings of no more than 10 people are allowed. Funerals may have up to 20 people in attendance.
The use of a facemask is mandatory for all individuals in public spaces.

All restrictions are subject to amendment at short notice.

Context

Officials in Trinidad and Tobago initiated a phased approach to reopening the country in May to allow some economic recovery; however, some of the recovery efforts were previously rolled back due to higher confirmed case numbers. The reopening of borders is only slated to be considered in the final stage of recovery. Should the number of COVID-19 cases significantly increase, relaxed restrictions may be reapplied. Likewise, a continued low number of cases may result in a relaxation of restrictions.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements and business appointments. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.