Deyalsingh responds to H1N1 concerns

Health Minister Terrence Deylasingh has responded to social media reports that the government is covering up a ‘deadly outbreak of H1N1’ in Trinidad and Tobago.

A post shared on the Facebook page, ‘Kick out the PNM’ claimed that there have been thirty deaths so far and one thousand reported cases in hospitals across the country.

However, in a recorded statement on Sunday, Minister Deyalsingh said he would like to take the opportunity to respond to the unfounded claims that is being perpetuated by the Opposition.

The Health Minister noted that the flu season in Trinidad and Tobago starts in October of any particular year and runs until May of the following year.

He said H1N1 has been endemic in Trinidad and Tobago since 2009 and is nothing new.

The Health Minister added that the 2020 influenza vaccine will be received on Monday and will then be made available at all health centres in two to three days.

He reminded that the vaccine for any particular flu season is different from the preceding season and as such the Ministry has to wait for the formulation from the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

“For this flu season, we have ordered over 100,000 does of vaccines. It is to be noted that his government stepped up its vaccine capability from 12,000 in 2010 and 2015 consistently over the past four years to over 100,000 doses. However, the population needs to take its own precautions such as washing hands, covering your mouth and nostrils while sneezing and don’t be in contact with anyone who you may suspect may have the H1N1.”

The Minister further urged the population to ignore the rumours being spread by  ‘politically motivated’ sources.

“I would like the population to ignore the rumour mongering from unreliable politically motivated sources of information and this government has always been transparent when it comes to H1N1.I would like the population to ignore the rumour mongering from unreliable politically motivated sources of information and this government has always been transparent when it comes to H1N1. Let me remind the public H1N1 has been endemic in Trinidad and Tobago since 2009 and been so 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019.”

He further urged the citizens to present themselves to the nearest health centre when the Ministry gives the go ahead that the vaccines have been received and distributed.