Port-of-Spain, March 27, 2020:  The Ministry of Health informs the population that today, Friday 27^th March, despite the best efforts of the health care professionals, a second national of Trinidad and Tobago who tested positive for COVID-19 has died. This was an elderly gentleman with pre-existing medical complications.

The Ministry of Health offers its condolences to the family who is, understandably, grieving this loss at this time. Members of the public are urged to respect patient confidentiality and to allow the family the space to cope with the death of their loved one.

In that regard, as of the morning of Friday, 27^th March, 2020 the Ministry reports the following:

Of the total number of positive cases, 47 of these positive cases came from the group of nationals who recently returned from a cruise:

• • 44 positive cases from the group of 68 nationals who returned from the cruise together
  • 3 positive cases from the group of nationals who returned from the same cruise separately from the other 68 nationals.

The Ministry of Health reminds the public that placing your hands on your face increases the risk of contracting the virus. The virus can transfer from your hands to your nose and mouth, and then enter your body. Protect yourself by washing your hands often with soap and water or by using an alcohol-based sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol, if soap and water are not available.

The public is also strongly advised to take the following personal hygiene measures to protect themselves and their loved ones from COVID-19:

• • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze

o   Dispose of tissue immediately after using

o   Cough and sneeze into the crook of your elbow if you do not have a tissue

• • Stay home if you are ill
  • Sanitize hard surfaces (e.g. table tops, handrails, doorknobs and trolleys) as often as

possible.

• • Avoid close contact with people who have flu-like symptoms
  • Practise social distancing

o   Maintain at least 2 metres (approximately 6 feet) distance between yourself and others, especially anyone who is coughing or showing signs of flu-like illness.

It is also advised that all public transportation vehicles should operate with windows open and limit their occupancy.

The Ministry will continue to provide accurate information to the public in a timely fashion. The public is therefore urged to disregard and avoid sharing all unconfirmed, misleading and/or false information about COVID-19 (formerly Novel Coronavirus).