Mask Mandate Ends On July 17th

Trinidad and Tobago's mask mandate will be lifted from Sunday July 17th, but will remain in place at medical facilities. Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh says the decision was taken based on the current hospital occupancy rates and not the number of daily COVID-19 cases, which continues to decline. The Minister assures that they are prepared to respond to any possible spikes following the removal of the mask mandate since hospital numbers have dipped below 100, with a continued downward trend of cases. The Ministry of Health will also be recommending that four vulnerable groups continue to wear masks including the immuno-compromised, the elderly, the pregnant population, and the unvaccinated. As for masking in schools, Minister Deyalsingh says no recommendations have been made so far.