UPDATES FROM TODAY’S MEDIA CONFERENCE
Prime Minister Dr the Hon Keith Rowley has instructed the Ministry of Finance to allocate an additional $10 million to assist employees of bars and restaurants who have either lost their jobs or suffered a reduction in income, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
An additional $20 million is also to be provided to the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services to assist self-employed citizens who lost income as a result of the pandemic. Dr Rowley appealed to public servants to be empathetic when dealing with these cases.
The Prime Minister made these announcements during a media conference held at the Division of Community Development, Enterprise Development and Labour, Scarborough today (Saturday 21st November, 2020).
The Prime Minister also announced the following:
Owners of bars and restaurants who have lost business during the pandemic were encouraged to access the Government’s small business support loans. Government to ensure their applications are dealt with as quickly as possible.
No State-sponsored Christmas parties are to be held in the Public Sector for 2020. Minister of Health the Hon Terrence Deyalsingh also appealed to the private sector to refrain from hosting Christmas parties and gatherings.
Food services to be allowed at Casinos.
Hunters have been granted permission to resume hunting activity in Trinidad and Tobago. There will be no extension to the current hunting season.
Caribbean Airlines to explore the use of Rapid COVID-19 testing to allow for increased inter-island travel. This programme is to be approved by the Ministry of Health before implementation.
The reopening of school for some students in January 2021, will depend on the behaviour of citizens during the Christmas season.
#covid19response #keepsafeTandT #becovidsmart
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