Ministry Of Health’s Virtual Media Conference On COVID-19 – Wednesday May 20th 2020

Key Points From The Ministry Of Health’s Virtual Media Conference On COVID-19 – Wednesday May 20th 2020: - Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh reminded that we are still in a global pandemic and COVID-19 will be around for some time. Globally, there are over 5 million cases of the virus, with 325,556 deaths recorded. - Minister Deyalsingh noted that Trinidad and Tobago took a careful decision to reopen some sectors of the economy in phases. Phase 2, involving the reopening of the construction and the manufacturing sectors, will begin tomorrow, Thursday May 21st 2020. With more people moving around in society with the start of Phase 2 tomorrow, Minister Deyalsingh said it is "absolutely critical" that citizens adhere to the New Normal to wear face masks in public, maintain physical distance, practice hand hygiene/cough etiquette, and stay home if they are ill. - Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh noted that some people are not wearing their masks over their faces but are letting it hang around their chins or removing it to speak. He advised citizens to follow protocols in wearing their masks. - The following is the update on COVID-19 patients and quarantined persons across the various facilities: CAURA: 1 patient (Stable). CASCADIA: 3 quarantined. NAPA: 20 health care workers who completed their tours in treating COVID-19 patients. TACARIGUA RACQUET CENTRE: 21 quarantined. - 1,047 Community Tests have been administered in Trinidad and Tobago and all returned Negative for COVID-19. - Chief Medical Officer Dr. Roshan Parasram confirmed that the County Medical Officers of Health conducted follow-ups with all 107 COVID-19 patients for seven days after their discharge from the Step Down Facilities. Most had no lingering virus symptoms but one person had a slight cough and underwent a complete check-up before being discharged. - Chief Medical Officer Dr. Roshan Parasram said if there is a resurgence of COVID-19 in T&T, the Phases in reopening the economy will be rolled back. He said how far the roll-back goes will depend on the number of new cases in the public as well as other factors like Community Spread. - Thirty two Venezuelan Nationals are being currently being assessed for acute illnesses after they were intercepted at sea. The TT officers who were part of the team that intercepted the Venezuelans will be subject to quarantine for 14 days if they were not wearing PPEs during the operation, or are currently exhibiting viral illnesses.