Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley's Media Conference - Saturday June 12th 2021

Key Points from Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley’s Media Conference on COVID-19 – Saturday June 12th, 2021. - Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley has unreservedly apologised to the nation, and particularly to senior citizens, for what transpired on Wednesday at the start of a Vaccination Drive at Health Centres across the country. Dr. Rowley noted there was "a problem" in communicating to the wider public when it came to the recent vaccine distribution, but he clarified that T&T is not in a position to carry on Mass Vaccinations at this time. He explained that what happened was solely at the level of the Government in trying "to do too much with too little" and said that as head of the Government, he took full responsibility for what took place. - The Prime Minister confirmed that 200,000 Sinopharm vaccines should be here on Monday with distribution expected to start on Wednesday. However, this does not mean there will be another attempt at Mass Vaccination. T&T has also received 13,000 additional vaccines from Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. - Vaccine prioritisation will continue but there will be some "tightening up" of the stock. Prime Minister Rowley said until T&T receives more vaccines, we have to "hold in place." He said while it is an inconvenience, no disrespect is meant, and Government will be doing its best to get around to all citizens. In the meantime, people who need to be out for work to keep the economy going will be given a head start. - Prime Minister Rowley confirmed that the final approval for the movement of COVID-19 vaccines from the US has not yet come, and conversations are still taking place. - Regarding vaccine distribution in the Caribbean, Prime Minister Rowley noted that some countries like Anguilla, which is British Overseas Territory, would have received vaccines from the UK. However, countries like T&T and Jamaica have a vaccine availability problem. - The construction sector will remain closed at this time. The Prime Minister said he was hopeful that there would be further decreases in COVID-19 cases from May to allow for the reopening of the sector, but this did not happen fast enough. He assured that the Finance Minister will provide some assistance to construction workers for the next two weeks. PM Rowley said taking "coming-out actions" too soon can reverse the gains we have made. - Dr. Rowley stated that some adjustments will be made to allow hardware stores to open on a phased basis. The announcement will be made tonight. - The Prime Minister expressed bewilderment at the increase in the price of cement since, as far as he is aware, there is no shortage of cement in the country. He said this price increase has really upset him. He said: "It is not right, and it is simply taking advantage of a bad situation and I hope we don't see any more of that." - As more COVID-19 vaccines become available, the Ministry of Health will explore all avenues for distribution. - An adjusted vaccination exercise for the elderly will start on Wednesday June 16th, 2021, at 36 Health Centres. - People in the RHA Primary Health Care Clinics, Hospital Clinics, on the waiting list for a vaccine appointment, in Homes for the Elderly, and Shut-ins will be among those targeted for COVID-19 vaccines. As part of this initiative: - Appointments will be given. - RHAs will contact their clients. - District Health Visitors will contact and visit shut-ins to vaccinate. - Vaccinations will continue at the Homes for the Elderly. - The reopening of the borders remains on track for the second week of July. Officials are working with Caribbean Airlines to lay out the framework at this time. - PM Rowley said there may be a daytime curfew on the Labour Day public holiday. He said, “Looks like it. We are working on that downward curve and we will take every opportunity to press it down, hoping that 1st of July we will be in a different place and a different space.”