The Barkeepers and Operators Association of Trinidad and Tobago (BOATT) is calling on government to immediately lift the restriction on bars and restaurants.

The Association references the recent advice coming from the World Health Organization(WHO) which states that lockdowns should not be a country’s main mechanism to put a lid on the virus.

“CMO, Dr. Roshan Parasram and Health Minister, Terrance Deyalsingh have taken pride in mentioning that their actions are in accordance with WHO recommendations and guidelines, and have both been on record stating that our parallel health care system is fully equipped and has ample capacity to deal with the covid 19 situation in Trinidad and Tobago. Because of this, together with the mandatory mask legislation, there is absolutely no reason in which the government can justify continued restrictions to the business community of Trinidad and Tobago,” BOATT stated in a statement on Monday.

When asked about the WHO’s recent position at Monday’s COVID-19 press briefing, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Roshan Parasram echoed sentiments shared by the Prime Minister over the weekend, giving a commitment that T&T will continue to cautiously lift its COVID-19 restrictions.

The CMO noted that the country is not in a lockdown at this time as majority sectors are open.