Trinidad and Tobago: Face masks compulsory as of August 31 /update 7

Event

Authorities in Trinidad and Tobago announced that as of Monday, August 31, face masks are to be compulsory in attempts to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Those who do not comply with the measure will face a fine. 

Additional COVID-19 measures were reintroduced on August 17 and will run through until at least September 2. The measures being reintroduced include the suspension of in-house dining, with only take-away services permitted. Places of worship will also be closed, together with beaches, gyms, and parks. Taxis will be limited to 50 percent capacity and air and sea bridge transport between Trinidad and Tobago will be limited to essential travel only. Schools will also be closed until December, which were originally aiming to open in September. Gatherings of no more than five people will be permitted, down from the original 25.

Authorities began easing COVID-19 restrictions on May 12, and up until August 17 most retail stores and malls, professional services, the public sector, entertainment establishments, and recreational facilities reopened under strict operating guideline. 

As of Tuesday, September 1, health authorities have recorded 1759 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 22 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). 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.