Trinidad PM tests COVID-19 positive

(Trinidad Guardian) The Office of the Prime Minister has confirmed that Dr Keith Rowley has tested positive for COVID-19.

The following is a brief statement posted on the official Facebook page for the Office of the Prime Minister:

Prime Minister Dr the Hon Keith Rowley has tested positive for COVID-19.

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.

The PM originally was scheduled to take his first dose of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine later today, in Tobago.

He had spent the Easter holiday weekend on the island.

Meanwhile, a post on the official Facebook page for the Office of the THA Chief Secretary, reports that Ancil Dennis will be in home quarantine for the next couple of weeks.

“Out of an abundance of caution, Chief Secretary Honourable Ancil Dennis will be in home quarantine until after April 16th. He will be working from home,” the statement read.

It was attached to a more comprehensive statement from Mr Dennis’ official Facebook page.

“I was informed earlier today that I was exposed to a primary contact of a recent COVID-19 positive case on Good Friday (April 2).  While my exposure to the primary contact was minimal and mask wearing and social distancing practised during the interactions, I hastened to get tested for COVID-19, as is compulsory in the circumstances and received a negative result,” the statement from Mr Dennis said.

“Out of an abundance of caution I will remain quarantined at home until after April 16, when the full fourteen-day quarantine period ends. I will work from home during this period and discharge the responsibilities of my office through virtual meetings and other forms of relevant communication,” he assured.

The THA Chief Secretary added:

“I continue to urge all residents to remain cautious and vigilant during this period, even in light of the arrival of the COVID-19 vaccines. I cannot stress enough how important it is for us to ensure adherence to the COVID-19 protocols, if we are to keep our numbers low and return to a greater level of normalcy.”