Tobagonians not surprised by new covid19 restrictions

The immediate closure of beaches amidst the rise in new covid19 infections has come as no surprise to beachgoers in Tobago.

On Wednesday morning at the Ministry of Health's virtual press conference, Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh announced a number of restrictions designed to slow the spread of covid19 in response to a recent spike in cases.

Those new restrictions include a ban on recreational activity at beaches, a reduction in the size of public gatherings to five people per group and a ban on in-house dining at restaurants, bars and casinos. The new measures were to come into effect at midnight on Wednesday.

Newsday visited the Mt Irvine Bay facility on Wednesday to solicit views from limers on the new rules.

One beachgoer, Jesse Anderson, said he agreed with the decision.

“It was the smartest thing to do, as it’s when people come together that is how covid19 spreads. Going to the beach is not a have-to. You don’t have to go to the beaches.”

His brother Tony Anderson agreed.

“This was expected, it came as no surprise to be to be honest.”

Another beachgoer, Khylan Jack, described the decision as good.

“I personally find it was a good decision, because they were really overdoing it, the beaches have been overpopulated within recent times.”

Therese Baker of the United Kingdom said she was not surprised.

“We are in a pandemic so no surprise there. I think he (the Health Minister) should have proposed a date rather than just drop this heavy three-week lockdown basically with immediate effect.”

Surfers, however, held a different view as they said sport would be severely affected by the ban.

Surfer Ken Watts said he believes although the beaches are closed, they should have still been allowed to surf.

“If you’re a long-term surfer like myself, it’s tough. It’s your sport, your recreation, your fitness, your everything. We’re not worried about the bars being closed but closing the beaches to surfing is a little different.

"We’re socially distanced out there and the fresh air...We’re not too happy about it, but if it serves the best interest given all that that’s going on, then so be it.”

Andre Stewart said he was concerned at the ban 's coming into immediate effect.

“I could understand the measure, but there are ways to do things. People need their sanity and the beach is sometimes their only sanity. I could understand the bars being closed, but the beach is a recreational spot that can be enjoyed by everyone.

“To me, the lockdown was necessary, but it should have been done in a more lenient way. He (Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh) should have given us a time, say on Saturdays, where a certain amount of people could be allowed at several beaches, rather than lock down all of the beaches.”