As of the afternoon of Thursday, 12^th March, 2020 the Ministry reports the following:

·         Number of samples submitted to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) for testing for COVID-19 = 50

·         Number of samples which have tested positive = 0

The public is also advised that the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has the only lab that is certified to test samples for COVID-19 and therefore, it is the only lab that can confirm positive or negative results of the samples.

The Ministry will continue to provide accurate information to the public in a timely fashion. The public is therefore urged to disregard and avoid sharing all unconfirmed, misleading and/or false information about COVID-19 (formerly Novel Coronavirus).

Members of the public are also asked to take the following personal hygiene measures to protect themselves and their loved ones from COVID-19:

·         Wash your hands properly with soap and water

·             Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if water and soap are not available

·         Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze

·             Dispose of tissue immediately after using

·             Cough and sneeze into the crook of your elbow if you do not have a tissue

·         Avoid touching your face

·         Stay home if you are ill

·             Avoid close contact with people who have flu-like symptoms

The Ministry of Health remains committed to delivering quality health care and providing up-to-date and accurate information to the Trinidad and Tobago population.

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Corporate Communications Unit