By Sue-Ann Wayow
EVEN as many Covid-19 restrictions are being lifted, mandatory mask wearing will remain a key element in the continued fight against the deadly virus.
Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley said that the measure would remain in place in the next coming weeks or months.
On Thursday, at a press conference at the VIP Lounge of the Piarco International Airport, Dr Rowley said, “We need to keep focusing on the fact that the virus is still with us.”
He said, “We have been through a lot. It has cost us a lot and we would hate to end up in a situation where we have economic disruption as the solution to the Covid situation in our country.”
Based on science and medical advice, Dr Rowley said the mask wearing reduces and may even eliminate individual exposure.
He said, “It is a little inconvenience, but that inconvenience is worth a whole lot if it prevents us from ending up in a situation of economic disturbance and disruption.”
New adjustments coming
The prime minister said he would be having meetings soon to discuss further adjustments to previous measures.
These include restrictions to unvaccinated persons entering the country and the cruise industry which he said he was in constant communication with Tourism Minister Randall Mitchell regarding that particular industry.
Dr Rowley said a note was expected to be brought to the Cabinet on Thursday.
“We are going to take some action on the cruise ship side…we are going to take some action on the travel side in general,” he said.
“The mask is the only one we are expecting to keep going as a Covid response in the weeks and months ahead, or at least weeks ahead because it is simple and right now it is only in a public place,” Dr Rowley added.
