New COVID-19 Cases in T&T
from end of July to
mid-November 2020
red cross = election day
purple cross = semi-lockdown
yellow cross = masks mandated
green cross = restrictions begin to lift
We are lucky. Much of the rest of the world is struggling with huge spikes in COVID-19 infections and deaths. The number of recorded infections worldwide is now over 53 million! The number of deaths is nearly 1,300,000 and climbing rapidly, particularly in the USA, which recorded 153,000 new cases yesterday. All of this against the backdrop of the most extraordinary US elections in history, plus the encouraging announcements of imminent vaccines with 90% or better efficacy against the pandemic.
Our numbers today are 5,930 confirmed cases and 111 deaths. That is an increase of 3,210 cases since my last post on the Coronavirus in T&T six weeks ago, and an extra 35 deaths during that period. There have been no new deaths reported for the last week, thankfully, and the number of new positive cases seems to average about 20-30 daily. Many of these infections are attributed to repatriated nationals.
Trinidad & Tobago is going through a second wave of the Coronavirus pandemic but this now appears to be plateauing. The Prime Minister has slackened most of the health restrictions imposed on the nation over three months ago. The beaches (but not rivers and ponds) are open, though people must wear masks when not in the water or eating/drinking. Restaurants can offer in-house dining for 10 or less patrons with adequate spacing, etc., but no alcohol.
Cinemas can reopen and serve food, but everyone must wear a mask if not eating or drinking. Gyms and Members Clubs have reopened but cannot serve food or alcohol. Sporting teams can practice for national/international games with spectators in groups of 10. Places of worship can now offer services up to 90 minutes with adequate distancing, etc. All government workers must report to work though working from home or shift systems are encouraged. Schools remain closed until next year. Bars can open but cannot offer in-house facilities. CAL will increase flights between Trinidad and Tobago.
CAL will also increase repatriation flights from New York, Miami and Barbados. Incoming passengers must now provide a negative PCR test before entering the country. The capacity for state-supervised quarantining has increased with the approval of another hotel where passengers can pay for their own stay. This has become possible as the parallel health care system for COVID-19 patients is well under capacity with a 26% occupancy rate. So some step-down facilities can be converted to state-paid quarantine sites. The virus has now infiltrated prisons, so there are special facilities set up for sick prisoners and deportees.
I’ve noticed a slackening of attitudes, especially where mandatory mask-wearing is concerned. People are pandemic-weary. The police are stepping up their drive to arrest those breaking the rules. For example, they recently arrested 76 persons on a small party boat, none of whom were wearing masks.
Tomorrow is Divali which is normally a big celebration in Trinidad. I wrote a post about it two years ago. Hopefully, family gatherings with friends and neighbours will be minimal this year in light of COVID restrictions of no more than 10 people in a group. The same goes for Christmas and Old Year’s festivities. Carnival has already been cancelled, at least officially.
Shubh Divali! Wishing everyone safe and happy celebrations for all upcoming festivities.
