CMO: 'A new normal' coming after covid19

CMO Dr Roshan Parasram has warned that Trinidadians and Tobagonians will have to adapt to "a new normal" to prepare for the phased lifting of restrictions put in place to slow the spread of the covid19 virus.

Speaking at Monday’s media briefing, he said people will have to prepare for the enhancement and continuation of the public health measures. He said they will have to create a paradigm shift in their behaviour to ensure the pandemic does not continue to spread.

This would include measures such as continuing hand hygiene, observing cough etiquette, social distancing and using masks where appropriate and the continued sanitisation of surfaces. He said people should stay at home if they or their children were ill.

The CMO said the Public Health Inspectorate will ensure all policies and procedures are known and put into practice nationwide. He said he cannot estimate how long these measures will have to continue after restrictions are lifted.

Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh said the ministry cannot predict what new regulations will have to be put in place. He said the regulations that apply have legal force under the public health ordinance.

He said the new normal is how societies will have to adapt to the virus and the measures put in place to save lives and prevent the spread of the virus from person to person.