Travel Restrictions Five Additional Countries – Trinidad and Tobago

February 27, 2020 Andrea Rochford Editors Picks, Local 0

Corona Virus Trinidad and Tobago

Highlights

  • Five additional countries on the restriction list- Italy, South Korea, Singapore, Japan, and Iran.
  • Non-nationals from these countries to be quarantined for 14 days. Nationals allowed to go home but self-quarantine requested.
  • Hospitals to be used – Caura (20 beds), New facility in POS General Hospital, possibly St James (67 beds) and/or Couva Hospital.
  • Tobago has to strengthen their isolation unit
  • Establishment of a Standing Committee

Full Story

The Health Minister Terrance Deyalsingh announced today that the Government of Trinidad and Tobago is announcing travel restrictions for 5 more countries in addition to China. This is in an attempt to restrict the spread of, COVID-19 also known as the Novel Corona Virus, in Trinidad and Tobago. The additional countries are as follows:

  • Italy
  • South Korea
  • Singapore
  • Japan
  • Iran

The Minister announced during the post cabinet briefing that there are different health facilities in Trinidad that will be modified to facilitate extra isolation wards.

Caura Hospital – Caura isolation unit will have 20 beds added. This will be ready in two weeks.

POS General Hospital – A new isolation facility will be created at the POS General Hospital. This will take two to three weeks to create.

New Facility at St. James – The recently opened facility at St. James will be used if the demand becomes high

Couva Hospital – In the event that there is a major outbreak of COVID-19 in the country the Couva Hospital has been identified for use. A major medical facility such as Couva hospital can be quarantined and locked down by the Ministry of National Security.

Tobago – The Cabinet is to work with the THA via the Chief Medical Officer to improve Tobago’s isolation facilities.

Deyalsingh Young rowley
Minister Deyalsingh, Minister Young and Prime Minister Rowley.
Source: Office of the Prime Minister Website

Standing Committee

A Standing Committee to deal with public health concerns and infectious diseases will be established. The committee will report jointly to The Ministry of Health and the Ministry of National Security. Some of the persons on the committee will be:

  • Chairman – The Chief Medical Officer
  • The Chief of Defense Staff
  • The Chief Immigration Officer
  • The Ministry of Foreign CARICOM Affairs
  • The Ministry of Education

Source:
Post Cabinet Media Briefing 27 Feb 2020