Twenty-one Covid-19 deaths have been reported in T&T since the start of 2024.

The revelation comes from the Ministry of Health in an update on respiratory illnesses this afternoon. 

Currently, 12 Covid-19 patients are being treated at the San Fernando General Hospital and the Couva Hospital.

The Ministry also disclosed that as it relates to the influenza virus, four deaths have been recorded for the year. 

See the full statement below:

Port of Spain, March 1, 2024: The Ministry of Health takes the opportunity to provide the public with an update on respiratory illnesses in the country.

As it relates to the Influenza Virus, four deaths have been recorded for 2024. To date, 39,450 vaccines have been administered. The Ministry continues to urge the population, particularly the immunocompromised and the vulnerable (listed below) to get vaccinated. Influenza vaccines are available free of charge at health centres.

For 2024, there were 21 COVID-19 deaths thus far, with 12 persons presently hospitalised across two hospitals – the San Fernando General Hospital and the Couva Hospital & Multi-Training Facility. As previously noted, Trinidad and Tobago received confirmation of local transmission of the JN.1 sub-variant category, on January 18, 2024. The JN.1 sub-variant, a descendant of the Omicron variant, is the dominant variant across the world. The Ministry continues to actively pursue the acquisition of COVID-19 vaccines and will provide an update upon its arrival into the country.

At this time, the Ministry has not seen any notable increase in severe respiratory illnesses within the public health system. However, the public is advised that those suffering with respiratory illnesses of any kind, should take the necessary precautions, especially in light of ongoing poor air quality due to the presence of the Saharan dust in the atmosphere. These persons are further encouraged to wear the appropriate masks (for e.g. surgical masks or N95 masks), as required, to reduce the risk of exacerbation of existing respiratory illnesses.

The Ministry will continue to encourage the public to practice good hygiene with the aim of reducing the spread of these diseases, including the common cold, Influenza and COVID-19.

These include:

• Washing hands regularly with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitisers (containing at least 70% alcohol).

• Regular cleaning and sanitising of high touch surfaces (e.g. door knobs, countertops, desks).

• Avoid sharing personal items like utensils, water bottles, towels and wash rags with others.

• Avoiding touching one’s face and eyes with unclean hands.

• Avoiding close contact with persons who display symptoms of infectious viruses.

• Wearing a mask where appropriate.

• Staying home if you are ill.

It must be noted that persons belonging to vulnerable groups are more prone to severe outcomes if they contract COVID-19 and or Influenza. Therefore, the elderly, pregnant women, immunocompromised persons and those with chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are advised to exercise greater caution at this time.

The Ministry of Health will continue to monitor the situation and will update the public as necessary.