While there has been some improvement in the management of COVID-19 cases over the last 14-day cycle, government is not yet confident that the present state is enough to embark on any major relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions.

On this end, Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley says existing restrictions will remain in place for another two week cycle, with minor changes. The relaxations are as follows:

-The limit of public gatherings have been increased from 5 persons to 10.

-Funerals have been adjusted from having 10 people allowed to twenty.

-Caribbean Airlines will increase the number of daily flights between Trinidad and Tobago “to keep some life going in Tobago” Two flights per day to 6 flights a day to Tobago at 50% capacity.

-While beaches remain closed, Bucoo Reef Tours and Caroni Swamp Tours have been granted an exemption to operate boat tours, in an effort to generate some economic activity.

Dr. Rowley said the existing protocols seem to be working in  helping to place a cap on the virus, however he explained that government thinks it best to err on the side of caution at this time- noting that the country cannot support another lockdown, warning that the “economy could be damaged beyond repair in the short and medium term.”

As it relates to religious gatherings and bars/restaurants, he said the situation will remain under assessment for another two week cycles, with hopes of possibly relaxing measures by October 24th.