As government’s mask mandate was officially lifted on Sunday, Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley cautions the public to remain on the alert, reminding the pandemic is still around and therefore circumstances are “not back to normal”.

“I must tell you that brings some mental and physical relief, psychological as well- that it appears that Covid is behind us-nothing is further from the truth. We are still in the pandemic,” Dr. Rowley said during a media conference on Monday.

The removal of the mask mandate signifies an easing of restrictions- but it is still advised, though not legally enforced, with the exception of public and private healthcare facilities where masks must still be worn.

The PM warned that “the virus is still around, it is still mutating. It is still creating variants,” as he noted the BA-4 and BA-5 variants are posing “significant threats” and resisting the effects of the vaccination.

The World Health Organization has recently advised that mask mandates remain in place globally- something government has taken note of.

“From the very beginning we have take the position that we would be guided by science and follow the guidance of the WHO. I would say to the T&T population, even though that is the advice of the WHO, we take it as advice, we will not disregard it, we will observe our circumstances and the behaviour of the virus,” Dr. Rowley said.

“And if, as per our public health analysis of our situation, that the wearing of the mask as a compulsory response is required in the near future,  the government will not hesitate to return to the mandatory requirement of the mask,” the PM noted.