Trinidad and Tobago: Fully vaccinated students can attend face to face classes from Oct 1

The government of Trinidad and Tobago declared that fully vaccinated students in forms four, five and six can attend face-to-face classes by October 1st 2021.

Prime Minister Keith Rowley stated that vaccinated students are allowed to attend proper classes as long as there is no significant rise in the positivity rate of COVID-19. The announcement comes only a few days before the new academic year that virtually begins from September 6th 2021.

Dr Rowley also announced that the government would review the possibility of reopening places of worship by September 6th, 2021, in limited numbers.

According to Acting Principal Medical Officer Dr Maryam Richards, the number of children currently hospitalised with COVID-19 increased to 10. Dr Richards said eight children are receiving ward level care, one child is in the high-dependency unit, and one child is in the intensive care unit.

While communicating at a media briefing, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley also expressed disappointment in the country’s vaccination numbers. He stated that at this time, there are still 800,000 people eligible to be vaccinated in Trinidad and Tobago.

Minister of Health Terrence Deyalsingh declared that the National Vaccination Programme would be expanded to target all sectors in the country. He said the Johnson & Johnson vaccines is available across the 109 Health Centres.

Speaking about the more advanced manners of vaccination drivers, he said pop-Up Vaccination sites to be rolled out at construction sites, malls, groceries and markets.

Health minister Deyalsingh also stated that the Pfizer vaccine would also be offered to health care workers and teachers. He noted that the government is also planning to introduce a vaccination programme at some schools to give students the opportunity to be vaccinated.