Port-of-Spain, September 17, 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. The population is reminded to source your information only from official sources, such as the Ministry of Health.
As of the afternoon of Thursday 17th September, 2020 the Ministry reports the following:
| Number of samples submitted to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), the UWI and other local sites for testing for COVID-19 | 28,493 |
| Number of samples which have tested positive at public and private facilities in Trinidad and Tobago | 3,434 |
| Total number of active cases | 1,905 |
| Number of deaths | 60 |
| Number of persons discharged | 814 |
| Number of recovered community cases | 655 |
The Ministry of Health provides the following update:
· Ninety-eight (98) additional persons have tested positive for COVID -19.
The ninety-eight (98) positive cases reported shows results from samples taken during the period September 4th to September 16th, 2020. Therefore, this figure is NOT representative of the positive cases over the last 24 hours only.
· The Ministry of Health regrets to inform the public that there are two (2) additional COVID-19 related deaths. The persons are an elderly male and elderly female both with co-morbidities. This brings the total number of COVID-19 related deaths to 60.
Members of the public are reminded that they must adhere to the ‘New Normal’ recommendations and take the following personal health measures to protect themselves and their loved ones from COVID-19:
· Wear a mask over your nose and mouth when you go out in public
· Keep your distance from others (6 feet)
· Stay home if you are ill
· Clean then sanitize surfaces (e.g. tabletops, door knobs and cell phones)
· Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
· Cough into a tissue or into the crook of your elbow
· Avoid touching your face
If you or a loved one develops symptoms of COVID-19, please call the hotline 877-WELL or 800-WELL (9355) for further guidance. If the person is severely ill, call the 811 (emergency hotline) or call ahead to the Accident and Emergency Department of your nearest hospital for help and go in immediately.
