2 months after travel restrictions imposed; how TT progressed

The majority of the 116 people who have been infected with covid19 have been discharged and sent home.

There are six patients recovering at hospital and another 15 at step-down facilities in Couva and Sangre Grande.

Seven weeks after TT reported its first case of covid19, there has been a considerable reduction in the number of new cases and it appear that stay-at-home measures coupled with drastic restrictions on the operation of non-essential businesses appears to have been working to stem the spread of the virus.

While the restrictions imposed on businesses, schools and other facilities have been extended to May 15 and the borders remain closed until May 15, the Government says it any decision to lift these restrictions will depend on the advice of medical experts.

Here is a breakdown of the major developments since the virus was listed as a dangerous infectious disease in TT in January.

JANUARY 31

President Paula-Mae Weekes proclaims the 2019 coronavirus (covid19) a “dangerous infectious disease.”

MARCH 1

Government announces restrictions for those who travelled to China, Iran, Italy, Japan, Singapore and South Korea.

MARCH 11

Travel restrictions amended to include travel from France, Germany and Iran. Nationals and permanent residents told they will be subjected to 14-day quarantine.

WHO declares covid19 a pandemic.

March 12

TT records its first case. A total of 52 samples were tested by CARPHA.

MARCH 13

Prime Minister announces all schools, universities and places of learning will be closed for a week, in the first instance.

TT records second confirmed case.

MARCH 16

PM announces TT will close its borders for 14 days, restricting entry to all but citizens, residents and essential staff.

Shutdown of bars, casinos, restaurants and all learning institutions until April 20.

Gathering restricted to no more than 25 people.

MARCH 19

Parliament approves public health coronavirus regulations 2020 to restrict business at bars, clubs, gaming houses, in-house dining at restaurants. It also increases the penalties for breaches.

Access blocked to public recreational sites, including Caura, and Chaguaramas beaches, including Macqueripe, Williams Bay and Chagville.

MARCH 20

PM calls on citizens not to congregate, urging them to keep gatherings to ten or less.

MARCH 21

National Security Minister announces full shutdown of air and seaports from midnight March 22, until further notice, restricting arrivals, including nationals and residents.

40 of the 68 cruise ship passengers isolated at Camp Balandra confirmed with covid19 taking cases to 49.

MARCH 22

Public gathering of ten or more people at churches and other religious houses prohibited.

MARCH 23

Government announced $2billion pandemic relief package for those who lost income etc.

Tobago reports its first case

MARCH 25

First covid19 death. Number of confirmed cases stand at 60.

MARCH 26

PM announces “stay-at-home” measures effective midnight March 30 until April 15. Only those deemed “essential workers” will be allowed to go to work.

MARCH 27

Second covid19 death.

•National Security Minister details what is considered “essential business.” Stay-at-home orders will run from March 30 to April 15.

All public transport providers must only carry half the passenger capacity of their vehicles.

MARCH 28

Third covid19 death

Confirmed cases 76. Ten people test positive in 24 hours

• Police step up patrols at markets

MARCH 29

PM addresses nation, declaring TT at war with an unseen enemy as stricter measures to keep people at home go into force.

MARCH 30

Health Ministry reports first two cases of local spread.

Police officers, soldiers accused of improper behaviour after video of them abusing homeless men during lockdown and forcing them to drink alcohol shared online.

MARCH 31

TT records fourth covid19 death.

Government restricts public gatherings to five.

All prison visits suspended.

APRIL 1

TT records fifth covid19 death. Number of confirmed cases stand at 90.

PM announces prison population to be cut by granting bail to non-violent offenders awaiting trial, and early release of those convicted for similar offences.

APRIL 3

Number of confirmed cases stand at 100.

Public health regulations amended to bar all activities at rivers, beaches, streams, including religious observances.

Businesses, agencies categorised as essential must reduce workforce to essential employees.

APRIL 6

TT records eighth covid19 death. Confirmed cases stand at 105.

PM announces closure of all restaurants, bars, roadside food vendors, and limit opening hours of hardwares, pharmacies and groceries until April 30. The April 20 restriction on the functioning of educational institutions extended to April 30. Public urged to wear masks when venturing outside their homes or workplaces.

APRIL 16

Prime Minister announces the assembly of a 22-member team to assist the country with a road map to recovery after covid19 is contained.

Over 38,000 people apply for financial assistance through the Salary Review Grant of up to $1,500.

APRIL 18

Confirmed cases stand at 114 and a total of 21 patients have been discharged.

Minister of Education Anthony Garcia announces new school year will run from January to July 2021.

April 19

Positive cases: 114, Deaths: 8, People discharged: 21

Minister of Health Terrence Deyalsingh announces further restrictions on hardware stores, electrical stores and plumbing stores.

April 21

Positive cases: 115, deaths: 8, people discharged: 28

33 nationals return from Barbados are placed on immediate 14-day quarantine

April 25:

Positive cases: 115, people discharged: 53, deaths: 8

The Prime Minister announces that stay-at-home measures will be extended until May 15 and borders remain closed until May 15.

Hardware to open six days a week but only for half-day, excluding Sundays

April 26

Positive samples 116, Deaths: 8, People discharged: 58.

TT citizens stuck in Suriname express frustration as they appeal to be allowed back home

Minister of National Security Stuart Young says requests made by TT citizens to be allowed in the country are being processed.

April 27

Economic fallout from covid19 causes $10 billion added deficit

Epidemiologist Avery Hinds says there was no increase in respiratory diseases

April 29

CMO Roshan Parasram advises TT to prepare for a “New normal”

People get an exemption on traffic tickets, now having to pay only half the fine

May 01

Oxford University research lists TT as number one country in implemening covid19 lockdown rollback checklist.

New guidelines are implemented for the food industry.

69 TT Nationals stuck in Suriname return home and sent into quarantine.

May 02

Positive samples: 116, Deaths: 8, People discharged: 87

Cuban nurses arrive in TT to help fight Covid19

69 TT nationals returning from Suriname get tested for covid19.