Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley's Press Conference On COVID 19 Wednesday December 23rd 2020

Key Point From Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley’s Press Conference On COVID-19 – Wednesday December 23rd 2020: - There are no changes to the current Public Health Protocols at this time. The existing regulations will remain in effect until January 10th 2021. - Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley is urging all citizens to continue to follow the COVID-19 Health Guidelines, especially over the Christmas and New Year period. He said it would be really disappointing to start 2021 with high COVID numbers because people did not wear masks, social distance, and sanitise. The Prime Minister warned holiday makers that Tobago is not a “free-up zone” for Christmas and New Year. They must social distance, wear a mask, and avoid large gatherings. - Head of Thoracic Care at the Caura Hospital, Dr. Michelle Trotman, noted that people are not adhering to the Public Health Protocols in public spaces such as groceries, malls and churches. She reminded the 50% capacity at businesses needs to be maintained. Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley also appealed to the business community to continue to ensure regular sanitisation and social distancing at their establishments over the heavy shopping period. - Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh stated that officials are getting information that people are planning Christmas limes but instead of hosting one big party, they are splitting the lime into separate groups at different times. He said this is just as dangerous as hosting one large gathering and must be avoided. - Chief Medical Officer Dr. Roshan Parasram is adopting a 'wait and see' approach regarding the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine, following the emergence of a new strain of the virus in the UK. He noted that Pfizer has requested two weeks in order to see how its vaccine holds up against this strain. - Health care workers and the most vulnerable (elderly) will be the first in line to get the COVID-19 vaccine when it reaches our shores. PM Rowley said he will also be among the first to take the shot. - Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh confirmed that the Perenco oil rigs are being sanitised following an outbreak of COVID-19 cases. He said sanitisation zones were set up, the trash was incinerated, an air quality analysis done, and common areas are being sanitised so operations can restart. All employers are urged to follow the Health Protocols to protect their workers. - Three plane loads of foreign energy workers were recently turned away after they did not have Negative PCR tests in their possession.