Ministry of Health Virtual Media Conference – Wednesday May 6th 2020

Key Points from the Ministry of Health’s Virtual Media Conference – Wednesday May 6th 2020: - Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh noted that globally, there are 3,756,264 million cases of COVID-19, with 259,436 deaths reported, and 1,258,363 recovered patients. Regionally, in all 20 CARICOM Member States, there are 1,159 cases of COVID-19 and 62 deaths. As such, he warned: “The fires of COVID-19 still rage around us in our backyard and the fires that we have doused in Trinidad and Tobago could reignite at any point in time and move us from sporadic to clusters.” - The Health Minister noted that there is a spirit of complacency in T&T, since many people believe we have beaten the virus. But he said this is not the case: “The fires are still raging.” - Minister Deyalsingh confirmed that 524 Community Tests have been administered and all returned Negative. - The following is the update on COVID-19 patients across the various facilities: COUVA: 1 patient (High Dependency Unit) HOME OF FOOTBALL STEP DOWN FACILITY: 4 patients NAPA Facility: 20 medical professionals who finished their tours in treating COVID-19 patients. UWI DEBE CAMPUS: 69 patients (Suriname Group) - In addition to treatment for COVID-19 patients and Step Down Facilities, Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh said providing mental health support for the population is of paramount importance during the pandemic. “We cannot, and will not, at the Ministry, ignore the very real consequences of what prolonged periods of isolation at the national level, but also at the individual level. Those individuals who were quarantined, who lived through COVID, we have to be cognisant that the country’s psyche is going to be affected.” - Director of the Mental Health Unit at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Hazel Othello, outlined a National Plan to treat with mental health and COVID-19. She said there must be a robust response to protect and preserve mental health and reduce suffering. - The COVID-19 Hotline will soon be equipped to handle distressed callers who are seeking mental health support to deal with anxieties related to the pandemic. Some signs of anxiety include physical symptoms like increased heart rate, profuse sweating, and a tense or "nervous" feeling. - Upcoming mental health initiatives by the Health Ministry include: * Training for Ministry of Health COVID-19 Helpline Responders so they can better help distressed callers. * Private sector sponsored Employee Assistance Programme services to Ministry of Health employees. * Webinars targeting specific groups to provide support and build resilience. - Dr. Othello advised parents whose children are writing exams to let them know that exams do not define them. Parents should not put pressure on children. They should inform their children that their lives do not begin and end with an exam. For parents who are teaching their children during this time, do not exhibit frustration, instead show patience when teaching, have shorter class sessions, and include regular breaks. Play games and read to your children. - Students writing exams are advised to continue preparations. Revise but also take time for recreation - exercise, and do things that contribute to making a complete, all-round person. - The Health Minister urged businesses and the everyday public to use common sense when the country is eventually reopened. For instance, barbershops and salons should not have congregations of 10 people, and workers and customers at these establishments should use face masks. - Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh stated that COVID-19 tests are done by CARPHA and the UWI Testing Site.