PNM walkabout off amid coronavirus concerns

As part of precautions to reduce the chances of spreading infections with the covid19 virus, the People's National Movement's (PNM) walkabout scheduled for this weekend has been cancelled, according to National Security Minister Stuart Young.

Speaking at Thursday's post-Cabinet media briefing at the Diplomatic Centre, St Ann's, Young urged the public to use the necessary precautions in public and limit unnecessary mass gatherings to be safe.

Asked about the state of Phagwa celebrations this weekend, Young said while the event has not been cancelled he is urging participants to exercise caution.

"At this stage, the mantra is to consider self-discipline, self-imposed caution, do not unnecessarily expose yourself to mass gatherings, one example of that is the postponement of the People National Movement's walkabout for this weekend.

"These are the types of steps we are asking people to consider. We are not imposing any ban on Phagwa celebrations but participants need to take their own personal decision."

Minister of Health Terrence Deyalsingh agreed with Young as he said local groups of Muslims have cancelled their annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia for Hajj as part of the concerns.

Deyalsingh also said he liaised with the Ministry of Education and understood certain schools were scheduled to make field trips outside TT. He said such travel would be considered unnecessary and the trips have been cancelled.