Covid Las Lap: Trinis flock to beaches, rivers, bars 

Ahead of Monday’s 28 day-long imposition of restrictions to slow the community spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus, some people went to the bars and restaurants on Saturday for a final night out with friends.

Shortly after Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley announced the new restrictions would come into effect on Monday, Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh implored the population to act is if the restrictions were already in place.

The restrictions included the closure, from Monday, of beaches and rivers, and the banning of in house dining at bars and restaurants. Patrons were advised to buy their drinks and leave. This as the Covid death count climbed to 10, and the number of cases rapidly rose to almost 500, prompting a declaration by Chief Medical Officer Dr Roshan Parasram that the country had reached the stage of Community Spread.

The primary purpose of the restrictions is to limit the movement and interaction of people so that the expected spread of the virus could be managed and not overwhelm the health care system. Rowley said the Police Service would be expected to enforce the regulations.

THESE ARE THE MEASURES 

SEA students will come out of August 20, and write that exam.

-All inhouse dining at restaurant and bars are to cease, along with dining at food courts and malls. Only purchase and take away will be allowed. You can buy your drink and leave.

-Beaches and rivers are to close to the public.

– All places of worship are to close.

– All gyms are to close.

– All water parks are to close.

– Casinos and members clubs are to close.

– Gatherings outside of the homes are to be no more than five people.

– Only ten people will be allowed at weddings and funerals.

– Maxis and taxis are to operate at 50 per cent capacity.

– The availability of travel to Tobago will be reduced on the air and sea bridge.

– All teaching institutions are to remain closed until further notice.

– It appears this will go on to at least December 31.

– The first school term is likely lost.

– The AG is being consulted to make the wearing of masks mandatory, so that criminal action can be taken against those who do not wear it.

Those not wearing mask are endangering the country, said Rowley.

People will be asked to stay home and avoid people.

Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh appealed that people not go for a last drink tonight and Sunday and act as though the lockdown was in place now. He also asked that people not invite groups to their homes for parties and get-togethers. It was also disclosed that the Caribbean Premier League cricket tournament will continue. Rowley said that by cooperating, the life saved may be your own. He said that more stringent measure may have to be taken if the numbers continue to rise.