POLICE will be monitoring Covid-19 patients in home isolation especially those who have tested positive for the virus.
In a release on Thursday, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) stated that Police Commissioner Gary Griffith has advised that officers will be using the 85 Emergency Response Patrol (ERP) vehicles and other patrols in all nine police divisions to monitor these patients, “especially those who have been tested positive for the Covid-19 virus.”
Griffith said several people who have tested positive for the virus and placed in home quarantine have been breaking the Public Health Ordinance Regulations.
He said there were reports of Covid-19 positive patients leaving their homes and going out, either to supermarkets, pharmacies, shops, gas stations, and restaurants.
Griffith said there were also reports that some of these patients have been entertaining family and friends at their homes although they were advised to stay in isolation.
He said breaking quarantine under the Quarantine Act carries a fine of $6,000 or six months in prison.
Griffith said several persons have already been charged with breaching the Quarantine Act.
The release stated, “As a result of the reports received, the CoP said the TTPS will monitor the homes of the patients, based on the listing providing by the Ministry of Health.
“He said the ERP officers will pay close attention to these patients in all nine Police Divisions. The police officers will visit the homes.
“The patient will come out with his/her mask, identify himself/herself, and then go back indoors. The officers will not be going into the homes.
“The CoP said this initiative is meant to curtail community spread. So far, more than 2,100 Covid-19 positive patients are in-home quarantine.
“This does not include those who are in quarantine awaiting results, having been a primary or secondary contact.”
