April 6, 2020
Location: Trinidad and Tobago
Event: The U.S. Embassy Port of Spain advises U.S. citizens that the Government of Trinidad and Tobago’s Stay at Home has been extended for an additional 15 days to remain in effect until April 30. These measures have been implemented to limit the spread of COVID-19 and U.S. citizens are advised to limit movement outside the home to authorized purposes and essential business only. U.S. citizens are further advised that effective immediately everyone is required to wear masks covering the nose and mouth in public.
Effective as of tomorrow, April 7, additional changes include revised hours for retail services including groceries and bakeries which will be required to close by 6 p.m. daily, and pharmacies which will be required to closed by 8 p.m. daily. As of April 7, all restaurants, including delivery, will also be closed until April 30.
Citizens are asked to remain at home unless they are part of the essential staff of essential businesses, or for essential trips such as to grocery stores or pharmacies. Citizens are further reminded that gatherings above 5 persons is prohibited at this time.
Note that individuals out in public may be stopped by law enforcement and asked to justify their movement. The Embassy advises carrying your ID with you; if you fall under essential staff at your place of employment, you may wish to request an authorization letter from your employer. Anyone determined to have breached this public health ordinance may be found liable for a fine of 50,000 TT and imprisonment for up to six months.
For a complete list of essential and non-essential services and businesses and other details, please view the complete Public Health Ordinance and visit the Trinidad and Tobago Ministry of National Security page.
For daily updates on the situation in Trinidad and Tobago and our emergency services efforts please refer to the Embassy webpage on COVID-19.
U.S. citizens experiencing symptoms, or who have reason to believe they have been exposed to COVID-19 are advised for their own health to stay at home, contact the Trinidad and Tobago Ministry of Health at +1 (868) 627-1047; 1 (868) 623-8492; +1 (868) 627-0010; +1 (868) 627-0012; +1 (868) 627-0014, and follow their instructions. Government officials in Trinidad and Tobago have taken significant steps to mitigate risk and ensure the health care system will be available to those who require life saving measures. For more information on the GOTT response please visit releases from Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago’s Ministry of Health.
If you need emergency assistance please contact us by email at ACSPOS@state.gov or by telephone at 868-622-6371. Please do not come to the embassy without contacting us in advance.
The U.S. Embassy Port of Spain asks all U.S. citizens in Trinidad and Tobago to complete the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at https://step.state.gov/step/. STEP is a free service to help the U.S. Embassy contact American citizens in an emergency.
For the most up to date information from the U.S. Embassy Port of Spain in real time, please also check the embassy’s Facebook Page, Instagram (@USinTT), and Twitter feed (@USinTT) and the embassy’s website.
Actions to Take:
· Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Trinidad and Tobago.
· Monitor local media outlets.
· Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information
· For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19 please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.
· Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.
· Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the U.S.
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy Port of Spain
15 Queen’s Park West
Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
Telephone + (868) 622-6371
Emergency + (868) 622-6371, then press 1.
Fax + (868) 822-5955
Email: acspos@state.gov
Website: tt.usembassy.gov