Ministry of Health Media Conference on COVID-19 – Saturday February 13th 2021

Key Points from the Ministry of Health Media Conference on COVID-19 – Saturday February 13th 2021 Technical Director, Epidemiology Division at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Avery Hinds, noted that in recent days, the number of COVID-19 cases has been low. He encouraged people to continue behaviours that will curb the spread of COVID-19 (wear masks, sanitise/wash hands regularly, social distance, avoid touching your face, cough into your elbow or tissue, clean table tops, door knobs, and cellphones regularly). Dr. Hinds expressed hope that there will not be an increase in COVID-19 cases as a result of the large gatherings during the recent vigils and anti-crime marches. He urged persons at these gatherings to continue to wear their masks, sanitise, and to stay in groups of 10 as much as possible. Dr. Hinds said T&T is on schedule for the COVID-19 vaccine roll-out. COVID-19 vaccine simulation exercises are continuing in the lead-up to the actual roll-out. Noting that we are not having large Carnival fetes or parades, Lyra Thompson-Hollingsworth, Coordinator, National Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Programme (NADAPP), discussed how we can still celebrate the festive period safely and in small numbers. Here are some tips: - Avoid large, public gatherings - Enjoy home-based virtual experiences. - Be mindful when purchasing alcohol for home use. Ms. Thompson-Hollingsworth stated that there has been an increase in "closet drinkers" since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. She gave some tips to control drinking: - Avoid alcohol or limit consumption – alcohol can reduce the capacity for sound decision making. Heavy drinking also places the individual at risk for developing or exacerbating NCDs, and reduces the body's capacity to fight infectious diseases. - Alcohol also reduces the body’s capacity to fight infectious diseases. - Alcohol is not a coping mechanism. Reach out to others and find the joy in positive, enriching activities. - Avoid mixing alcohol with medication. Drink water. - Avoid alcoholic beverages when thirsty. - Space out your drinks. - Stay hydrated. - Have a meal. - Do not consume alcohol in the presence of minors.