By Sue-Ann Wayow
ALL construction will be allowed to operate from Monday.
This was announced by Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley on Saturday during a press conference.
Even while making the announcement he appealed for workers to wear their mask, observe all health protocols and avoid congregating as much as possible.
Last week he had announced that only Government construction would have been opened on Monday. But he also announced that all businesses that support the construction sector will also allowed to operate.
The prime minster also opened laundry marts.
He is also hoping that the service sector will be able to open up soon if downward Covid-19 trends continue.
“We have not forgetting you, we are not ignoring you, we are doing it step by step as much as possible,” Dr Rowley said.
He said the country was in a much better position than last month but health protocols needed to be observed in order for more sectors to re-open.
“We hate to have to respond by this up and down arrangement.”
He also thanked all those in the education sector for a successful examination day last Thursday for the Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA).
Dr Rowley said, “We expect that all things being equal and reasonable, that the children can look forward to school in September and that would be a huge relief.”
Laundry marts could also now operate but again was advised that it could be configurated since they were small spaces.
“Don’t go and congregate and get Covid in a laundry mart.”
Different border entry rules for vaccinated persons
Dr Rowley also maintained that the border re-opening would be July 17.
And all unvaccinated nationals will not be able to enter the country using the ANR Robinson International Airport in Tobago.
“To enter Trinidad and Tobago there will be conditions laid down in Piarco and there will be conditions laid down at ANR Robinson Airport.
“The difference is that in Tobago we will not allow unvaccinated nationals to enter the country through Tobago.
“If you are a national, you will enter through Piarco and if you are not a national you will not be allowed to enter at all as an unvaccinated person.”
And Dr Rowley also said he will be speaking to Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi on Saturday night about the penalties for breaches by those in quarantine, if they needed to be more stringent, they will make the necessary adjustments.
“Too much is at stake. We are going to be firm, we are going to be more cooperative,” the Prime Minister said especially as the country is returning slowly to some sort of normal activity.
