Prime Minister’s Media Conference – Saturday 05th December, 2020.

All schools across Trinidad and Tobago will virtually reopen on January 4th, 2021.

Prime Minister Dr the Hon. Keith Rowley made the announcement during a media conference held at the Diplomatic Centre, St Ann’s today (Saturday 05th December, 2020).

Dr Rowley said once COVID-19 numbers remain low the Government will allow some children to attend school as follows:

From February 8th 2021:

• Primary School – Standard Five students only
• Secondary School – Forms Four to Six students only.

All students will be required to wear masks and adhere to physical distancing practices. The Ministry of Education will appoint a health and safety team at all districts to ensure adherence to all health protocols.

15,000 students will be allowed to sit the 2021 Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) exam which will be conducted from January 17th – February 4th, 2021.

Only one change in business operations was announced at today’s media conference:

From the 10th December, 2020 – 3rd January, 2021 supermarkets and groceries across the country will be allowed to operate on a 24- hour basis.

Thoracic Medical Director at the Caura Hospital, Dr Michelle Trotman revealed today that three children are currently warded at the hospital with MIS-C. Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a rare but severe condition that has been reported approximately 2–4 weeks after the onset of COVID-19 in children and adolescents. Parents and guardians are being urged to protect their children against the COVID-19.

The Prime Minister is again appealing to members of the public to act responsibly during the Christmas period and not gather in large groups.

Minister of National Security, the Hon Stuart Young said the repatriation process has begun to allow the Trinidad and Tobago Seasonal workers in Canada to return to Trinidad and Tobago.

Minister Young also provided an update on exemptions being granted to nationals entering and exiting the country:

• The total numbers of exemptions granted to enter Trinidad and Tobago as of December 4th, 2020 are 8,500.
• The total numbers of exemptions granted to leave Trinidad and Tobago as of December 4th, 2020 are 10,760.

Trinidad and Tobago will accept and administer COVID-19 vaccines that are certified and approved by the World Health Organization (WHO).