A new conference was held at approximately 4:15 pm this afternoon to announce that Trinidad and Tobago has its first case of COVID-19.
He is a 52 year old male who travelled into Trinidad on Monday night (9 March 2020). He resides here in Trinidad and he came from Switzerland. He self isolated on Tuesday and started to experience symptoms. He contacted medical personnel on Wednesday and he got swabs done and sent for testing.
He was confirmed positive at 2:45 pm today Thursday 12 March 2020. He is being taken to Caura Hospital for isolation. SO far his symptoms have been mild. To date 51 persons have been tested and he was the first one who tested positive.
He had no symptoms on entry at the airport on Monday night. The Minister indicated that due to patient confidentiality they cannot release his name to the public.
The Government has indicated that Dr. Michelle Trotman is in charge of tracing persons to identify who may have come into contact with the person who tested positive.
The Minister of Health reiterated that there is a need for concern and heightened vigilance but not for panic.
Persons have been panic buying items at Price Smart today even before the new conference. Price Smart indicated that they are limiting certain items to three per person.