Dr Rowley tests positive for Covid-19, prime minister fell ill on Easter Monday

Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley has tested positive for Covid-19, after falling ill on Easter Monday. A release from the Office of the Prime Minister this morning confirmed that Rowley now numbers among Trinidad and Tobago’s 8,000-odd citizens who tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

“Prime Minister Dr the Hon Keith Rowley has tested positive for Covid-19,” stated the release. “The Prime Minister began experiencing flu-like symptoms yesterday evening and was subsequently tested for Covid-19. Dr Rowley is in isolation and is under medical supervision.”

Photo: Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley.
(via Office of the Prime Minister)

The Ministry of Health did not release figures from samples taken yesterday evening, up until the time of publication. However, the ministry confirmed 14 positives yesterday from 182 tests.

Up until yesterday afternoon, there had been 166 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the twin-island republic this month from 1,293 tests. The total number of infected persons since the onset of the novel coronavirus in March 2020 stood at 8,192 from 111,618 tests. There were 145 deaths.

The Ministry of Health’s tally today will include one high-profiled positive, while chief medical officer Dr Roshan Parasram has warned of a likely spike due to increased socialising over the Easter weekend.

The Ministry of Health reminds members of the public to adhere to the ‘new normal’ and:

  • Wear a mask over your nose and mouth when you go out in public;
  • Keep your distance from others (six feet);
  • Stay home if you are ill;
  • Clean then sanitise surfaces, such as tabletops, doorknobs and cell phones;
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based sanitiser;
  • Cough into a tissue or into the crook of your elbow;
  • Avoid touching your face.
Photo: Cindy’s Bakery in Penal lays down ground rules for customers on 23 April 2020.
(Copyright Ghansham Mohammed/GhanShyam Photography/Wired868)

Persons are urged to call Covid-19 hotline numbers: 877-WELL, 87-SWRHA or 877-3742 (Trinidad) and 800-HEAL (Tobago) if they feel unwell; or they can report a possible breach of Covid-19 regulations by calling 555, or sending messages—inclusive of photographs and videos—to the Police App or via Whatsapp to 482-GARY.

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One comment

  1. Here’s hoping he has a speedy recovery. Wish there were more details about his potential exposure…if he was wearing a mask at all times and keeping distant….just to be aware…

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