Tobago student well, still being monitored

The Tobago student suspected of having symptoms associated with the coronavirus, covid19, is doing well, Acting County Medical Officer of Health Dr Tiffany Hoyte said on Saturday.

“There are no new developments. She is doing well. But she is expected to stay at the hospital for several days again,” she told Sunday Newsday. The student, who was studying on scholarship in China, returned to Tobago on February 21 and was quarantined at her home in east Tobago.

Three days later, she was transferred to Scarborough General Hospital after developing a low fever. She remains warded in an isolation unit at the hospital.

During a news conference on Wednesday at the Division of Health, Wellness and Family Development’s head office, in Scarborough, Hoyte had made it clear the student is not infected with the coronavirus.

“Tests were done and all tests were negative... She has currently absolutely no symptoms,” she had told reporters.

“The individual is in good health and continues to be monitored daily as in keeping with standards even though she is negative. We will follow the standards and procedures to monitor her daily.”

At the news conference, Hoyte also said the division is ramping up its public education drive for all stakeholders in the face of widespread misinformation about the coronavirus.

Hoyte complained about the misinformation being peddled on social media and advised the public to seek updates from the division and the World Health Organisation and Pan American Health Organisation websites.