Ministry Of Health Virtual Media Conference – Saturday July 25th 2020

Key Points From The Ministry Of Health’s Virtual Media Conference on COVID-19 – Saturday July 25th 2020:

Five people directly related to Case #142 have now tested Positive for COVID-19. They include three children in the same household. Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh confirmed that the Maraval RC School had to be closed because the parents of a child in this household allowed the child to attend school while ill on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. In relation to this case, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Roshan Parasram confirmed that as much as 90 persons (including students and teachers) at the school have been deemed Primary Contacts and will now undergo the necessary protocols including home quarantine for 14 days. More than 200 people have also been deemed Secondary Contacts. Dr. Parasram said one person from this cluster was moving about with symptoms so there are additional Primary and Secondary Contacts that will now be placed in 14-day quarantine. Dr. Parasram stated, “If the child had stayed at home when he was ill, we would have lost already 300 possible contacts and decreased the risk of Community Spread.”

On Case #141, Dr. Parasram said all Primary Contacts are Negative thus far but community surveillance continues.

On Case #139, Dr. Parasram said all Primary Contacts (household and business place) are Negative thus far. The three Primary Contacts of Case #139 remain in quarantine in Tobago and have tested Negative. National Security Minister Stuart Young confirmed that the three went across to Tobago on the fast ferry where physical distancing was enforced on the vessel, along with robust sanitisation before and after each sailing.

Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh said officials were looking to open the entertainment sector this week, but the increase in COVID-19 cases over the past few days has forced them to hold off on this reopening.

Following the increase in COVID-19 cases this week, the following measures will come into effect:

– Visits are NO LONGER ALLOWED at Homes for the Aged.
– One visitor per patient rule will be enforced at all hospitals at the Regional Health Authorities. Visits are one hour at all public health facilities.
– Business owners must enforce the No Mask, No Policy.

Government is not looking to lock down or revert on more Public Health measures at this time.

– As at 11am on Saturday July 25th 2020, there are 154 persons quarantined at various facilities in T&T. The following is the breakdown:
CASCADIA: 33
CAURA: 2
CHANCELLOR HOTEL: 17
HOME OF FOOTBALL: 43
REGENT STAFF: 14
UWI DEBE CAMPUS: 24
TACARIGUA: 21

There will be 13 persons quarantined at Caura at the end of today.

At Couva, there are 175 beds available in case there is an upsurge in COVID-19 cases.

The normal health care services at all public hospitals will continue. Citizens are urged to make use of them.

Three illegal immigrants from the Dominican Republic are now in quarantine at the Chaguaramas Heliport. National Security Minister Stuart Young said drivers and boatmen are putting the T&T population at risk for COVID-19 by facilitating the illegal entry of persons. Some perpetrators are already in quarantine and will be charged for Trafficking in Persons. Businessmen will also be charged for breaching regulations.

National Security Minister Stuart Young also warned landlords that they will be charged if they are found to be harbouring illegal immigrants. Landlords must ensure their tenants are here legally and must report illegal immigrants to the authorities.

Citizens are urged to dial 555 to provide police with information on illegal immigrants. Drivers and boatmen will be charged with Trafficking in Persons if they are found to be transporting illegal immigrants.

Caribbean Airlines is working with the National Security Ministry to take TT students back to school in the US. Some TT Nationals currently in the United States will also return home on that CAL flight.

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