Bars to be closed for two weeks to curb covid19

For the next two weeks, all bars will be closed as part of measures to contain the spread of covid19, said the Prime Minister.

He was speaking Monday at a post-Cabinet media briefing held at the Diplomatic Centre, Port of Spain.

He also said restaurants are encouraged to prohibit in-house dining and have curbside service instead.

"If they remain open they will attract people to congregate."

Dr Rowley said if legislation is required for the restrictions, then Government will have it done and if it can be enforced under existing legislation then that will be done.

"People of TT why do we have to be beaten over the head to do the common-sense thing to save our lives? And this is for a short period of time – 14 days."

He said Government is seeking to create a "semi-sterile environment.

"So as we are trying to do that, don't make it difficult for us or impossible for us by congregating and making the virus 'smile'. Without the congregation, without contact from person A to person B, the virus will lose its ability to continue to survive as an infector and create the environment that we are in."

He said the no-congregation stipulation applied to the Judiciary as well. Asked about restrictions on cinemas, Rowley said he did not want to pick any particular business that would have to close.

"Is it important to watch a movie in the 14-day period or to create a sterile environment?"

He said that some restaurant owners have announced they are prepared to provide some meals for the neediest in society.

"This is a good sign that there are good things that can come if we are all accepting that we are all in this together."

Rowley said the socially displaced are vulnerable in this situation and the Social Development Ministry will look at the issue.

National Security Minister Stuart Young said the ministry will look at enforcing the 14-day ban on bars but added that personal responsibility will help keep TT below the "curve".

"It is the only way countries are successful in cutting this thing."

He said that non-essential businesses like casinos or cinemas could consider closing while in businesses like groceries people should keep their distances and take precautions.

Caura Chest Hospital thoracic medical director Dr Michelle Trotman said a "mass gathering" is more than 25 people but even if there are 15 people in a small area then people need to make an adjust it.

"We can't give all the areas and circumstances not be in. You have to use common sense and to apply it."