PORT OF SPAIN – Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley on Monday announced that his administration has decided to extended the “Stay at Home” order for an additional 15 days as it works to limit the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
At a media briefing on Monday, Rowley said that the order, which was scheduled to expire on April 15, will now be extended until April 30.
The Prime Minister said this was done as the country could be “in a worse situation than we were on the first of the 15 days that we started out with for stay home”.
Rowley put the public on notice, stating that sanctions to ensure compliance with this order will be intensified.
He stressed this is what is required to flatten the curve of the virus. He also announced that effective immediately, all people venturing into public spaces including groceries and pharmacies are advised to wear masks to cover their noses and mouths and the Ministry of Health will be distributing masks shortly.
The opening hours for essential services have also been adjusted and they will take effect on April 7.
Hardware stores (including electrical and plumbing) are to open from 8 a.m. to midday, Monday to Saturday
All retail and discount stores, vegetable stalls, parlours and shops (providing medication, and other essentials) supermarkets, markets, bakeries to close by 6 p.m. daily; wholesale stores (providing food, medication and other essentials) are to close by 4 p.m. daily; all pharmacies to close by 8 p.m. daily and restaurants and food delivery services are to be closed until April 30.
Concerning religious gatherings, the number has been reduced from ten to five people.
To date, Trinidad and Tobago has eight deaths related to the virus, while 105 samples have returned a positive result.
(CMC)
