Ministry of Health Virtual Media Conference - Saturday December 19th 2020

Key Points from the Ministry of Health’s Virtual Media Conference – Saturday December 19th 2020 Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh said the region should have its supply of COVID-19 vaccines by the end of the first quarter of 2021. He noted that steps have been taken from July 2020 to December 2020 to secure a supply of vaccines under the COVAX Agreement. Even though the region still does not know which vaccine it will receive, T&T has already made arrangements to store its supply in the correct manner and temperature. So far, five sub-zero freezers have been identified and can be used immediately, and a special chiller at the Couva facility is to be built for vaccines that require storage at 2 to 8 degrees. This chiller is expected to be ready by mid/end of February. Minister Deyalsingh has also begun to tour Distribution Centres for vaccines. He is expected to complete the tour of all Distribution Centres by the first week in January. The Health Minister stated that based on the current evidence, people returning to T&T will still be required to provide a PCR test, even if they were vaccinated. They will also be required to quarantine on arrival. In terms of Immunisation cards/records, Minister Deyalsingh said there will be a separate vaccination record for COVID-19. The Health Minister urged citizens to celebrate Christmas in a holy and respectful manner, to keep gatherings small, social distance, and wear a mask.