Port-of-Spain, March 7, 2020: As part of the national drive to safeguard the health of the Trinidad and Tobago population in the face of the global COVID-19 outbreak, the Ministry of Health continues to provide up-to-date information on the country’s status in this regard.
As of the afternoon of Saturday, 7th March, 2020 the Ministry reports the following:
- Number of samples submitted to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) for testing for COVID-19 = 34
- Number of samples which have tested positive = 0
The public is also advised that the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has the only lab that is certified to test samples for COVID-19 and therefore, it is the only lab that can confirm positive or negative results of the samples.
The Ministry will continue to provide accurate information to the public in a timely fashion. The public is therefore urged to disregard and avoid sharing all unconfirmed, misleading and/or false information about COVID-19 (formerly Novel Coronavirus).
Members of the public are also asked to take the following personal hygiene measures to protect themselves and their loved ones from COVID-19:
- Wash your hands properly with soap and water
· Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if water and soap are not available
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze
· Dispose of tissue immediately after using
· Cough and sneeze into the crook of your elbow if you do not have a tissue
- Avoid touching your face
- Stay home if you are ill
· Avoid close contact with people who have flu-like symptoms
The Ministry of Health remains committed to delivering quality health care and providing up-to-date and accurate information to the Trinidad and Tobago population.