Five more countries will be added to the T&T  quarantine watch list to keep a check on the Corona Virus.

Persons arriving from South Korea, Italy, Iran, Japan and Singapore will be subjected to the same quarantine measures that would be applied to anyone entering the country from China.

Trinidad and Tobago nationals who will be arriving from those countries can be self-isolated- or be quarantined- if the need arises.

In addition, Health Minister Dr Terrence Deyalsingh told the Post Cabinet News Briefing on Thursday, the capacity will be upgraded.

And while there are four beds at Caura in the event that anyone needs to be quarantined, a new 20-bed facility will be available at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex within the next two weeks.

“There is a 67-bed facility at the St James Medical Complex with could be brought into use, if required,” Deyalsingh said while adding that the Port of Spain General Hospital can also be used.

“In the event of a major outbreak, the recently constructed Couva Hospital will be put into use because there is also the ICU capacity there, as well.

Cabinet has agreed to create a Standing Committee to deal with the public health concerns which will be chaired by the Chief Medical Officer and include representatives of the Ministry of National Security, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief Immigration Officer as well as representatives from the Commissioner of Police, the Office of the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Finance along with Airport and Port officials.