Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley's Media Conference On COVID-19 Saturday December 5th 2020

Key Points from Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley's Media Conference On COVID-19 – Saturday December 5th 2020:

Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley announced the following:
1. Groceries/supermarkets/food supply outlets can open 24 hours a day during the period December 10th to January 3rd (in anticipation of heavy Christmas shopping).

2. All schools to open VIRTUALLY on January 4th.
- Approximately 15,000 CSEC students will be allowed to return to school from January 17th to February 4th to sit their exams.
- Forms 4 to 6 Secondary School students and Standard 5 Primary School students to return to school from February 8th.
NOTE: PM Rowley clarified that it is Government's intention to have these particular students return to school but this will ONLY be possible based on citizens' response to the New Normal over the Christmas period, and the COVID-19 numbers in January. He said, "This is not a personal promise, it is an expectation and a target." A Health Response Team will also be involved to ensure Public Health protocols are observed at the schools.

Thoracic Medical Director at the Caura Hospital, Dr. Michelle Trotman, confirmed that there are three children hospitalised at the Couva facility with a condition is called MIS-C (Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome in Children) as a result of contracting COVID-19. The children are doing well but there are some concerns with their hearts. Dr. Trotman urged people to remember what they have to do to protect themselves and others by social distancing, sanitising, and wearing masks.

Epidemiologist Dr. Avery Hinds said the average number of COVID-19 cases has been holding steady over the past couple of weeks (excluding prison system). He also noted that at the last Press Conference hosted by the PM in Tobago two weeks ago, there were no cases on the island. However, since then, there are 19 cases. This shows that people need to be cautious, especially when travelling between both islands.

PM Rowley said once the World Health Organization certifies the COVID-19 vaccine, T&T will accept and administer the vaccine to the population. He expressed hope that people will trust the science and get immunised.

8,500 exemptions granted for persons to enter T&T.
10,760 exemptions granted for persons to leave T&T.
The repatriation process has started for seasonal workers from T&T who went to Canada.

Prime Minister Rowley noted that the Divali period passed smoothly and had little impact on an increase in COVID-19 cases. He admitted that Christmas season is a little different and appealed to people to act responsibly.

Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley said he is "disturbed" by reports/footage of workers in Tobago behaving in a boisterous manner during a team-building exercise. He said he is fearful for the population if young, educated people are not heeding the call to act responsibly and observe the Public Health guidelines on COVID-19. He also urged holiday makers in Tobago to observe the Public Health guidelines and not venture out or entertain in large groups.

Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh also urged citizens to stay away from large home gatherings over the Christmas period.

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