County medical officer: Virtual Carnival events must follow covid19 guidelines

Although Carnival events have switched to virtual during the covid19 pandemic, people are still expected to follow public health guidelines.

The issue was raised at the Health Ministry’s virtual press conference on Saturday because of several upcoming virtual Carnival fetes and concerts.

Dr Osafo Fraser, County Medical Officer of Health for St George East said the virus did not respect people’s private spaces, so public health regulations should still be observed at home.

For example, he said if people were to visit, receive them in an open air space if possible, wear masks covering the nose and mouth, and maintain physical distancing. Everyone should wash their hands thoroughly including between the fingers and finger tips, and continually clean and sanitise surfaces.

“You want to make sure that you are observing the regulation for the number of people that can be in that space but you are also doing all the things – social distancing, wearing your masks, and hand sanitising. The truth of how these public health measures work is that they all work together in tandem. The more of them you have working and acting, the lower the risk of infection.”

Concerns about virtual shows arose this week after Police Commissioner Gary Griffith questioned the staging of the Sekon Sunday concert at Queen's Hall, St Ann's last Sunday, which was streamed online. Soca artiste Sekon Sta (Nesta Boxhill) and Queen's Hall management have since assured covid19 protocols were followed.

Also on Friday, the TT Promoters Association called for dialogue with Government on supporting virtual shows.