Trinidad Coronavirus
Trinidad Coronavirus cases continue to increase daily much like the rest of the world.
The Coronavirus disease also called COVID-19 is a highly infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus.
Prior to the discovery of COVID-19, there were already 6 known human coronaviruses the first of which was identified in the 1960’s.
The new or ‘novel’ coronavirus discovered in Wuhan, China in December 2019 represents the 7th coronavirus that can be spread to humans.
Trinidad coronavirus cases in addition to Tobago coronavirus cases will be continually updated below.
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Trinidad Coronavirus Cases:
(including Tobago)
7,986
(As at 29th March 2021)
Trinidad and Tobago coronavirus cases continue to climb as more people are being tested daily. Unfortunately, it is expected that Trinidad coronavirus deaths will also increase. Tobago coronavirus deaths will also be counted in the regular updates below.
Trinidad Coronavirus Deaths:
(including Tobago)
142
(As at 29th March 2021)
The death toll is expected to rise as more people are getting positive test results back from CARPHA.
The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) being the single regional public health agency for the Caribbean is responsible for all tests for coronavirus cases in the Caribbean.
Private independent health facilities can not test for coronavirus unless they have first been certified by CARPHA to do so. If they do perform coronavirus testing without certification from CARPHA, the test result will not count in the final official tally of reported coronavirus cases.
It is of course likely that there are more coronavirus cases throughout Trinidad and Tobago than what has so far been officially reported.
Please read below to ensure you have as much information to be better prepared for the impact of this coronavirus in Trinidad and Tobago.
Trinidad Coronavirus Symptoms
Persons infected with COVID-19 will have symptoms that may appear between 2-14 days after initial exposure:
- Fever
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
In severe cases, emergency warning signs for COVID-19 include:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
*The most common signs of confirmed coronavirus cases as of February 2020 Credit: https://www.thesun.co.uk/
What to do if you have coronavirus symptoms in Trinidad?
Please call your doctor if you feel you or someone you know may be experiencing these symptoms of coronavirus.
A test for COVID-19 may or may not be administered depending on test criteria including recent travel history.
Either way, there is no known cure or treatment for coronavirus at this time and therefore, any person experiencing these symptoms should be quarantined anyway and monitored for any escalation in symptoms.
Which group of people are most at risk of coronavirus disease?
Most people infected with COVID-19 will safely recover at home without requiring any special treatment, however, older people, and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness.
Trinidad and Tobago already has a growing elderly population similar to Italy as well as a population with generally unfit lifestyles making them more likely to be negatively impacted by the effects of COVID-19.
It is important to note that some young people may also have unknown medical problems at time of contracting COVID-19 and will also be more likely to develop serious illness or even death despite being seemingly healthy.
As Trinidad coronavirus cases continue to grow, extra caution must be taken by family members when going out to protect from new infection which can then be spread to those quarantined at home.
How is Coronavirus Spread in Trinidad?
The Trinidad coronavirus or COVID-19 virus spreads primarily through droplets of saliva from an infected host or from nasal discharge when an infected person coughs or sneezes into the air.
People who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) are likely to spread coronavirus and should consider keeping that distance away from one another.
Droplets from a COVID-19 infected person that makes contact with the mouths or noses of other people who can possibly inhale into the lungs will become infected.
Trinidad Coronavirus Prevention
Prevention is the best defense to protect yourself and your family from getting COVID-19. The Trinidad and Tobago population is urged to:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a disposable cloth or tissue if you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of it immediately after using. Cough and sneeze into the crook of your elbow if you have no other alternative.
- Avoid touching your face especially your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Practice social distancing; no physical contact with another human. Keep 6 feet away from all people including any family at home.
- Stay home if you are not well.
- Avoid close contact with people who display flu-like symptoms.
- Sanitize hard surfaces (e.g. table tops, hand rails, door knobs and trolleys) as often as possible.
- It is now recommended to wear a mask whenever possible to avoid contracting droplets from an infected person
Trinidad and Tobago Government Response to Coronavirus
The Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago has taken several steps to help curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
- Mandatory stay-at-home for all non-essential workers effective midnight on Sunday 29th March, 2020.
- All ports including airports and maritime ports are now closed
- No public gatherings are permitted
- Persons that must go out, are asked to stay away from each other by at least 6 feet
- No more than five persons are allowed to congregate at any point in time
How are Trinidad and Tobago businesses affected by COVID-19?
Local businesses in Trinidad and Tobago have been asked to either close down completely or if feasible, to employ a teleworking or ‘work from home’ policy to allow for employees to work while quarantined in their own homes.
Businesses are encouraged to use online means such as websites to attract and serve customers during this time while the country observes all the necessary coronavirus precautions.
How long will Trinidad Coronavirus take to resolve?
No one knows for sure how long COVID-19 will last in Trinidad and Tobago as there is currently no known cure for the virus.
While countries outside of Trinidad and Tobago that have been initially infected are now experiencing a slowing down of new infections, for this to be sustained, quarantines will need to prevail for as long as necessary to ensure the virus does not re-enter those countries and infect those who were not initially infected.
Trinidad Coronavirus Updates
The public is now being asked to wear masks when going out. Masks can help prevent the spread of the COVID-19. It is also being suggested that the general public use washable and reusable face masks so that the medical grade masks remain available for purchase by the medical community and first line workers.
About the Author: Jian Brant
