Beaches re-opens in Trinidad and Tobago

Examining the country’s current situation, the government of Trinidad and Tobago made some amendments in the COVID-19 measures to curb the spread and speed up the vaccination drive. From December 24, 2021, public sector workers, except those in the essential services, would be permitted to stay away from their respective workplaces till January 2, 2022. 

The beaches are also reopening from Monday, December 20, 2021, from 5 am to 12 pm (noon), under stringent COVID-19 health protocols.

Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley announced these amendments at a press conference. 

The other announcements are as follows: 

1. Effective mid-January 2022, and with the exception of those who for medical reasons cannot, all members of the public service must be vaccinated. 

2. Similarly, all State Enterprises will be directed to put the same restrictions in place. 

It is hoped that this step, the rate of vaccine uptake will improve and take Trinidad and Tobago closer to the goal of full vaccination. The appropriate legislation will be brought to Parliament in due course. 

3. To support this initiative, the Public Sector will remain closed during the period December 24 to January 2. Public Servants will return to work on January 3, 2022. 

Members of the Emergency and Protective services will not be included as part of this measure. 

4. The Prime Minister is, however, asking Public servants to resist the urge to socialize and mix during this period. 

5. The consumption of alcohol and the playing of loud music will not be allowed. 

Prime Minister furthermore added that if everything goes well and the general public continues to act responsibly, the daily hours will be further extended for beaches. 

The vaccination rate in Trinidad and Tobago: 

Till December 18, 2021, only 655,886 individuals are those who are vaccinated with taking first jabs of the COVID-19 vaccine, whereas a total of 659,702 people who have received their two doses of the vaccine and are now fully inoculated.