Trinidad and Tobago: Authorities extend some COVID-19 restrictions through October 11 /update 9

Event

Trinidad and Tobago authorities have extended some coronavirus disease (COVID-19) restrictions in an effort to further curb the spread of the virus. Restrictions on business and public activities have been extended through October 11, including the mandatory wearing of face masks in public places and the suspension of dining-in at bars and restaurants, with only takeaway services being permitted. Cinemas, casinos, members clubs, beaches, and rivers have all been ordered to close, in addition to gyms, waterparks, and sports facilities. Teaching activities have been suspended until at least December 31, while services at places of worship remain banned. Gatherings of more than five people also remain prohibited. However, public service workers have been deemed essential by authorities and are required to return to work.

As of September 13, there have been 3019 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Trinidad and Tobago with 53 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.