Next month’s carnivals in Trinidad and Tobago will still go ahead, despite the increase in Covid-19 cases.
Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Keith Rowley insisted the population of the twin Caribbean island nation is now highly immune, with around half vaccinated.
The Prime Minister added that those who are unvaccinated have been exposed to the virus and therefore have developed natural immunity.
“The place is open, but there is COVID there. Get personal coverage, you know what you can do on your to-do list. Do the things you can do,” Rowley said at a news conference with health officials during a COVID-19 update for the public.
The prime minister said there was no need to impose new restrictions on COVID-19, close the country’s borders or cancel carnivals.
However, he called on the public to take personal responsibility especially during this year’s carnival celebrations.
He said: “The nature of carnivals is to meet and mingle. We do not believe the situation warrants us not having Carnival, but we do believe it warrants us making personal decisions about your exposure to minimize the instances of health care claims for you.”
At the press conference, health officials reported that between January 2 and 9, 406 new cases were registered and eight deaths were reported between January 2 and 9.
Trinidad Carnival is always celebrated on the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday.
Trinidad and Tobago’s carnival has been described as “the best” in the Caribbean for decades.
Carnival in the twin island nation has helped to influence and give birth to Notting Hill Carnival in London.
The colorful cultural festival was canceled in 2021, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
