“We have won nothing.”

This was the sentiment shared by Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh at Saturday morning’s press briefing, as he lamented the growing traffic on the nation’s roadways, even as government continues to call on citizens stay at home.

With Trinidad and Tobago’s confirmed case count for COVID-19 remaining at 114 over the past few days, Minister Deyalsingh said he is worried that some might be taking this as an indication that the worst has passed. “Do not let the data fool you” he cautioned,  adding that Trinidad and Tobago must learn the lessons from other countries who relaxed their restrictions early on and were hit by a second wave of cases.

His concern comes on the heels of Police Commissioner Gary Griffith calling on citizens to stay at home as thousands were caught in roadblocks across the country on Friday.

Minister Deyalsingh also said he received reports that a private school was set to reopen, to which he said some sectors of the society seem not not understand the severity of the present situation.

According to the clinical update provided by the Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Roshan Parasram,  1,320 samples have been submitted to the Caribbean Public Health Agency for testing to date.

Asked whether the Ministry would consider expanding to include antibody testing to increase the detection rate, Dr. Parasram said their discussions with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) have revealed that the antibody tests currently available are not up to par. He said the Ministry will continue to assess the situation in a cautious manner but for now they will stick to the standard PCR testing.