Trinidad and Tobago announces State of Emergency amid COVID-19 crisis

Trinidad and Tobago: Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley announced on Saturday that from midnight onwards Trinidad and Tobago would be under a state of emergency along with that he announced a curfew from 9 PM to 5 AM each day. Stating that more positive cases are expected in the coming days, Prime Minister said these restrictions were imposed due to the rising numbers of COVID-19 cases and deaths in Trinidad and Tobago. He added that every effort is being made to prevent this from happening but he said that a state of emergency is now required. Replying to a question about how long is the state of emergency will be imposed in the country, the Prime Minister said none of us can say we have been in a state of emergency during the global pandemic. Added that this has to do with cooperation of the public by staying at home and maintaining the guidelines of health protocols.

Further more, he said that made 23rd lifting of some restrictions would be dependent on epidemiologist Dr Avery Hinds’ data in the coming time.

However the Prime Minister announced that the essential services will remain operational during the state of emergency. Which include health, energy, national security, utilities, airport and other ports, food supply chain which includes packaging preparation and supermarkets, pharmacies and transport.

PM Rowley plead to the people not to rush or hoard food or other items as state of emergency comes into effect. Government assured that continuous supply system would remain operational daily and there is no need to rush and stock up of a food or gas right away.

Caura Hospital’s Thoracic Medical Director, Dr Michelle Trotman also pledged to the citizens and residents of Trinidad and Tobago to distance, wear masks and sanitise all the time. She again added that doctors have been listening to the confessions of sick and dying patients who that time admit went to private parties where they would have contacted the COVID-19 virus.

Vaccines

The government announced that arrangements are being made to bring in about a hundred thousand vaccines from China. Prime Minister said that if Singh farm vaccines arrive on time the coming week, vaccination is expected to again starting next Saturday. The minister of health, Terrance Dayalsingh said for the elderly people vaccines would be administered at their houses.

COVID-19 hospital occupancy:

Augustus Long - 90%

Arima - 85%

Couva - 71%

Caura - 78%

St. Ann's - 80%

Tobago - 25%

Bed occupancy levels for COVID-19 patients:

ICU beds: 100%

HDU beds: 95%

Step-down beds: 57%

Ward beds: 66%