A press conference was held 21 March 2020 at 11:00 am. There were three major announcements. The full list of announcements is shown below:
- 40 of 68 persons who came from the cruise ship tested positive for the Covid-19 virus.
- Trinidad and Tobago are closing their borders for all persons, nationals and non-nationals. Exception are cargo ships.
- The hotline number is functional 877-WELL (9355)
Terrence Deyalsingh, Minister of Health
* Significant developments over the last 12-15 hours
* Some persons did not heed the warnings not to travel. A group left on the 5th Mar. They became stranded and returned on the 17 Mar.
* They retained Senior Counsel Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj who sent letters to the Ministers
* On Thursday 19 March the 68 persons were tested.
* 40 of the 68 have tested positive for Covid-19
Chief Medical Officer
* There are now have 49 positive persons – Covid-19
* They have mild symptoms, they are high risk since the majority are elderly.
* They have all been taken to Couva since they are part of a high risk group.
* There is no change of risk in terms of community spread.
* Quarantine has started over and they will be tested as necessary. Their quarantine has restarted for 14 days.
* Contact tracing has continued. It will occur via phone.
* The medical personnel are being put somewhere to stay apart from their families.
Stuart Young, Minister of National Security
* We are trying to do all we can to protect Trinidad and Tobago
* There has been irresponsible behaviour by the Opposition. In particular the call to keep open bars to sell drinks or food. Please stop politicking
* Betting shops continue to be open. Please note they fall under the private members clubs. They should be closed.
* Persons who are stranded in other countries. There is nothing that Trinidad and Tobago can do to open other countries’ airports.
* The Embassy in Caracas is in contact with those in Margarita to assist.
* MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT: As of midnight tomorrow night, Sunday 22 March no international flights or vessels will be allowed into Trinidad and Tobago until further notice. Exception of cargo ships and cargo airplanes, they will be allowed.
* There are still some persons who are not adhering to the requests by the Government and the new laws. The Government will uphold the law.
Terrence Deyalsingh, Minister of Health (Part 2)
* Thank you to healthcare workers for volunteering
* Healthcare workers will be tested
* To avoid burnout for healthcare workers the IDB has agreed to fund 100 house officers to be deployed in the North Central Regional Health Authority to free up senior doctors.
* IDB has also agreed to fund more nurses.
* Please behave responsibly even if you are a young person
* Hotline is up. Please call for Covid-19 questions ONLY. 877-WELL (9355) is the number. Please have this as the last resort. Being manned by ten doctors.
* If you have a medical emergency please call 811 to take you to the hospital.
* Please use fresh air in Maxi Taxis
See here for Press releases from Ministry of Health