Early move to Phase II as covid19 cases dwindle

From Thursday, a significant number of workers employed in the manufacturing and construction sectors are expected to begin to return to work.

Prime Minister Dr Rowley announced the early shifting to Phase 2 of the lifting of restricting on Saturday as there has been no new covid19 cases since April 26 and all the random tests done so far were negative.

Some small businesses, such as tyre shops, laundromats and auto parts dealers can also reopen on May 21 but many other businesses will remain closed.

On May 9, the Prime Minister announced the lifting of restrictions to allow restaurants and roadside vendors to reopen, some two months after they were ordered closed.

It has been nine weeks since TT reported its first case of covid19, there has been no new cases for the past three weeks.

While the restrictions imposed on some businesses, schools and other recreational facilities remain in effect and the borders remain closed until further notice.

Here is a breakdown of the major developments since the virus was listed as a dangerous infectious disease in TT in January.

January 31

President Paula-Mae Weekes proclaims the 2019 coronavirus (covid19) a “dangerous infectious disease.”

March 1

Government announces restrictions for those who travelled to China, Iran, Italy, Japan, Singapore and South Korea.

March 11

Travel restrictions amended to include travel from France, Germany and Iran. Nationals and permanent residents told they will be subjected to 14-day quarantine.

WHO declares covid19 a pandemic.

March 12

TT records its first case. A total of 52 samples were tested by CARPHA.

March 13

Prime Minister announces all schools, universities and places of learning will be closed for a week, in the first instance.

TT records second confirmed case.

March 16

PM announces TT will close its borders for 14 days, restricting entry to all but citizens, residents and essential staff.

Shutdown of bars, casinos, restaurants and all learning institutions until April 20.

Gathering restricted to no more than 25 people.

March 21

National Security Minister announces full shutdown of air and seaports from midnight March 22, until further notice, restricting arrivals, including nationals and residents.

40 of the 68 cruise ship passengers isolated at Camp Balandra confirmed with covid19 taking cases to 49.

March 22

Public gathering of ten or more people at churches and other religious houses prohibited.

March 25

First covid19 death. Number of confirmed cases stand at 60.

March 26

PM announces “stay-at-home” measures effective midnight March 30 until April 15. Only those deemed “essential workers” will be allowed to go to work.

March 31

TT records fourth covid19 death.

Government restricts public gatherings to five.

All prison visits suspended.

April 6

TT records eighth covid19 death. Confirmed cases stand at 105.

PM announces closure of all restaurants, bars, roadside food vendors, and limit opening hours of hardwares, pharmacies and groceries until April 30. The April 20 restriction on the functioning of educational institutions extended to April 30. Public urged to wear masks when venturing outside their homes or workplaces.

April 16

Prime Minister announces the assembly of a 22-member team to assist the country with a road map to recovery after covid19 is contained.

Over 38,000 people apply for financial assistance through the Salary Review Grant of up to $1,500.

April 18

Confirmed cases stand at 114 and a total of 21 patients have been discharged.

Minister of Education Anthony Garcia announces new school year will run from January to July 2021.

April 21

Positive cases: 115, deaths: 8, people discharged: 28

33 nationals return from Barbados are placed on immediate 14-day quarantine

April 25

Positive cases: 115, people discharged: 53, deaths: 8

The Prime Minister announces that stay-at-home measures will be extended until May 15 and borders remain closed until May 15.

Hardware to open six days a week but only for half-day, excluding Sundays

May 1

New guidelines are implemented for the food industry.

69 TT Nationals stuck in Suriname return home and sent into quarantine.

May 5

Positive cases: 116. Deaths: 8. People discharged: 103.

Government response to covid19 receives positive remarks from citizens.

May 9

Prime Minister announces phased reopening of businesses starting with restaurants and road side food vendors from May 11.

CSEC/CAPE exams which were deferred now set for first week of July.

May 14

21 nationals rerturn from Guyana.

May 15

69 people who returned from Suriname and kept in isolation at the UWI Debe campus sent home.

May 17

Prime Minister announces reopening of manufacturing and construction sectors on May 21.

Maxt and taxi operators to receive $2,000 fuel grant.