The Bishop of Trinidad and Tobago has reintroduced COVID health restrictions for congregations in the wake of a new outbreak of the virus in the West Indian nation.
Writing to his clergy on 18 Jan 2024, the Rt. Rev. Claude Berkley said: “Consequent to the Media Release of the Ministry of Health as it continues to Monitor COVID-19 Trends of a global increase in COVID-19 cases, we are encouraged to exercise due caution in the conduct of our business. The upsurge in influenza, COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases has been observed in the Caribbean region and on the local front.”
Bishop Berkley encouraged congregations to wear masks at worship and social gatherings, while masks were to be worn by clergy and altar parties at worship. Other measures to be taken were: Handwashing, intiction of the host – no shared communion cup or receiving the elements in one kind, ventilation of church buildings during worship, three foot spacing between persons – save for family groups, and an exchange of the Peace without touching other people.
The T&T Ministry of Health reported six COVID deaths between December 23 and January 18, and confirmed one case of the JN.1 variant of the virus.
