T&T: Public health regulations extended to July 4 while bed occupancy reaches 70%

Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Dr Keith Rowley announced extended the current public health regulations to July 4th, 2021. He stated that the government also have the ability to for legal ability to go for the full 90 days but it can be revoked earlier in case the coronavirus cases reduce. In his recent address on Saturday, PM Keith Rowley expressed gratitude to Bermuda and St. Vincent and the Grenadines for donating COVID-19 vaccines. He stated that Bermuda shared their stock with T&T since, while he said that being a British colony, they could utilise their preference more readily. He assured that T&T will assist SVG if they encounter challenges later on. PM Rowley stated that T&T has received commitments from countries that could make a difference in the vaccine fight. He confirmed that the government did try to negotiate for a small volume for the T&T population, but that volume was deemed to be too small at the time. PM Rowley said discipline and vaccination will be key in getting T&T back to a comfortable position. He noted that there were improvements in vaccine availability.

Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh said the Ministry is aiming to vaccinate 134,000 persons by August 31st. He said the the ministry is projecting that 50,000 persons will receive their first Sinopharm shot.

"The administering of the first doses should be completed in 20 to 25 days.The COVID-19 vaccines from Bermuda will be utilised from Monday since they expire on June 30th." stated Minister Deyalsingh. Furthermore, he stated that the 24,000 vaccine doses from Bermuda and St. Vincent and the Grenadines will be used for frontline workers in the various Ministries like National Security, Works and Transport, Education, Finance, Attorney General and Legal Affairs, Social Development and Family Services, Public Utilities.

He noted that 1,000 vaccine doses have been set aside for staff and patients in Elderly Homes. The Health Minister also urged guardians/children of these elderly persons to provide written, informed consent so they can be vaccinated. Consent forms have already been given to Elderly Homes.

Minister Deyalsingh added that public improvements are underway in the COVID-19 Vaccine appointment system. Principal Medical Officer Dr. Maryam Abdool-Richards said the gap between the number of hospital admissions and discharges has been closing. She stated that over the past 24 hours, 92 beds were added in the parallel healthcare system (60 beds at the new Point Fortin Hospital and 32 and the Couva Field Hospital) and thirty ward beds have also been converted to 11 ICU beds.