Mask confusion as phase 3 begins

As people returned to work and walked the streets in Trinidad and Tobago on Monday, the use of masks was clearly inconsistent.

Monday marks the implementation of phase three of the government's relaxation of stay-at-home restrictions, first created as a measure to flatten the curve of covid19.

To many travellers, the atmosphere was reminiscent of the old normal, with traffic, busy streets and open retail stores.

The scenes representing the new normal included some people wearing masks, some examples of physical distancing and long lines stretching around banks and other buildings as people tried to complete various tasks.

People had very different ideas of what the new normal, in terms of engagement in public spaces, meant to them.

Reena Perilal, who works in Port of Spain, said she wears a face mask all day, whether indoors at her office or outdoors as she goes in search of lunch or walks the city streets.

While she told Newsday she was nervous about the number of people walking around without a mask, she felt there was nothing to be done.

One man, Newrol Henry, who bought a pair of shoes while strolling on Frederick Street, said he didn't think it was necessary to wear a mask all the time.

He used a bandana, tied around his neck when he entered businesses which required masks. Other than that, he said he was more comfortable without one.

A St Ann's taxi driver said while he saw an increase in passengers by about 50 per cent compared to the last few weeks, it was still difficult to earn a living while carrying only two passengers at a time.

Even so, he said he had decided not to accept passengers without masks, and sanitised his car every day after work.

He said most people wore the masks while travelling.