Prime Minister Rowley Hosts Media Conference On COVID-19 - Friday March 20th 2020

KEY POINTS FROM TODAY'S MEDIA CONFERENCE WITH PRIME MINISTER DR. KEITH ROWLEY: Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley: We are still in a very fluid and dangerous situation regarding COVID-19. We are managing as best we can, given the spread of this virus in just three months. Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley: People have been going to work, trying to produce and T&T is still involved in local and international trade. First Responders encouraged to continue to perform their jobs. The Health Sector is functioning well. PM Rowley: The real response to COVID-19 is personal. Citizens need to take charge of their personal hygiene. PM Rowley knocks those citizens who are disregarding Government's guidelines on COVID-19 by congregating in groups. He said COVID-19 is not a joke. Parliament has now given legal authority to authorities to enforce these laws. PM Rowley acknowledges that the rules in place will negatively affect people at a national level, but they are there for protection. He reminds that it is the Government that will bear the burden of any economic fallout as a result of the changes. Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh commends health care workers who are volunteering to look after 68 nationals who are quarantined in Balandra. Health Minister Deyalsingh implores religious communities to refrain from holding mass gatherings and services. Hindus can go to the rivers to do their shavings for religious purposes but they are limited to 10 persons per group. Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh: So far, the nine COVID-19 cases in T&T are imported cases but there will be "community spread." The Health Ministry will therefore start contact tracing soon. Health Minister: There will be 100 health officials on the ground to help with contact tracing (50 Contact Tracers from T&T Red Cross Society, and 50 Registered Nurses from District Health Visitor Programme). 4,000 COVID-19 test kits will be coming from China for use. 50 thermal scanners also coming in. More senior doctors will be at Couva Hospital to handle patients, and junior doctors will be hired for EWSMC under the supervision of seniors. Retired health care workers may be employed in the future to assist in this situation. PAHO/WHO Representative Dr. Erica Wheeler: Laboratory staff to be increased to do this testing for COVID-19. Assessment of Lab machines to be done. National Security Minister Stuart Young: T&T Government has not banned cargo vessels coming to Trinidad and Tobago. However, crew members will not be allowed to disembark. Social Development Minister Camille Robinson-Regis: From Monday, all 41 MPS will be responsible for 50 Food Cards which will handed out to families with children who are part of the School Feeding Programme. The parent/guardian of that child will have to sign a Statutory Declaration to keep fraud in check. Top Ups of Social Welfare Grants for a period of three-months to be paid in a single payment by mid-April. Social Development Minister Camille Robinson-Regis: T&TEC will immediately stop disconnections.Public Utilities will ensure increased broadband for customers is put in place. CMO Dr. Roshan Parasram: The nine COVID-19 cases are showing improvements.