Covid-19 claims its youngest victim: T&T’s 106th death was under 25

The country’s 106th Covid-19 death is also its youngest. Speaking at the Ministry of Health’s 28 October media conference, Principal Medical Officer Dr Maryam Richards said the patient was under 25 years old and had pre-existing medical conditions. Despite the special conditions, she warned that this case should remind the public that the disease does not only affect the elderly.

The latest fatality, however, was an elderly male with pre-existing medical conditions. His death takes the total death toll to 107.

Photo: Medical staff wheel away a Covid-19 patient.

During Monday’s update, epidemiologist Dr Avery Hinds noted that men have outnumbered women three to one in Covid-19 related deaths. He added that about two-thirds of patients who died from the disease was over 60 years old.

The addition of 26 new cases in the last 24 hours—four of whom are recent returning nationals—takes the total number of positive cases reported since March to 5,594. There are currently 1241 active coronavirus cases, with 62 patients in hospital. In total so far, 32, 292 people been tested for the virus.

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 the crook of your elbow;
  • Avoid touching your face.

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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