Tracy on covid19 rules: Too much congregating at weddings, funerals

Secretary of Health, Wellness and Family Development Tracy Davidson-Celestine says there is still too much congregating at weddings and funerals.

She made the statement on Wednesday after Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh announced a return to several anti-covid19 measures to address the spike in cases.

Deyalsingh, at the Ministry of Health’s Wednesday covid19 update, banned public gatherings for entertainment and concerts. Beaches will also remain closed.

He said weddings and funerals will be limited ten people and congregations at places of worship have been reduced from 50 per cent capacity to 25 per cent. The public service has reverted to 50 per cent office attendance on a rotational basis.

The restrictions are expected to end on May 16.

Speaking to Newsday via WhatsApp, Davidson-Celestine said the measures “in this current environment” are aimed at protecting citizens.

“I urge the members of the public to adhere to them because there is still too much congregating taking placed at weddings and funerals and we must ensure that those are managed,” she said.

Davidson-Celestine said the significant increases in cases is “very concerning and it can easily cause overwhelming situations.”

She added: “I know that there are protests in some corners, because it’s a frustrating time. But in the interest of public safety, these measures are necessary.”