Ebola Prevention Measures Significantly Advanced
Port of Spain, November 18, 2014: Steady and significant progress on prevention measures to protect Trinidad and Tobago from the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) has been made through the integrated efforts of the multisectoral cabinet-appointed National Ebola Prevention, Information and Response Team (NEPIRT).
The multi-sectoral Team, led by Vice Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier General Anthony W J Phillips-Spencer, comprises representatives from Government Ministries and other public sector Divisions and Agencies, International and Regional Organizations (WHO, PAHO, CARPHA and IMPACS) labour organizations, private sector organizations and non-governmental and civil society organizations.
The team has developed a three-pillared national integrated strategy to prevent the importation of EVD into Trinidad and Tobago and also to enable coordinated and collaborative response to any EVD incidence that ensures swift recovery.
In strengthening the public information campaign the NEPIRT has advised citizens to use the Office of Disaster Preparedness Management (ODPM) 24 hour hotlines for any questions they might have. The hotline numbers are ‘511’ for Trinidad and ‘211’ for Tobago.
NEPIRT has also advanced two interactive social media platforms on Facebook (Stop Ebola TT) and Twitter (@stopebolatt). These platforms are aimed at supporting the online public information available at the Ministry of Health website, www.moh.gov.tt and providing information to citizens on how each person can help prevent Ebola.
NEPIRT has also completed Baseline Site Readiness Surveys at the Piarco International Airport in Trinidad and the A.N.R. Robinson International Airport in Tobago. The findings of these Surveys have led to the development of detailed operational manuals, and in the case of ANR Robinson International Airport the first simulation exercise to engage and train representatives from frontline agencies on EVD screening protocols was conducted on November 10, 2014.
According to Brigadier General Phillips-Spencer: “A second similar exercise for all classes of airline passengers, from unaccompanied minors, to wheelchair passengers as well as groups considered to have been at high risk of EVD exposure is scheduled for November 19, 2014. This will again enable Port Health Officers and members of the Airports Authority of Trinidad and Tobago to practice the established prevention protocols for EVD screening ahead of the expected increase in international passenger arrivals during this peak tourist Christmas season.”
The Brigadier General also stated that “Maritime-based Prevention Measures have also been implemented with the establishment of a Vessel Quarantine Anchorage for large sea vessels (more than 500 tonnes) that present an EVD risk to dock off of the Port of Port of Spain. Similar Vessel Quarantine Anchorage procedures for small sea vessels (less than 500 tonnes) will also be established in the near future, off the coast in Chaguaramas, Trinidad and also off the Windward and Leeward coasts of Tobago. Baseline Site Readiness Surveys at the thirty (30) Seaports in Trinidad and Tobago will commence on November 21, 2014.”
The NEPIRT was established on 16 October by Cabinet and is committed to the protection of all citizens and visitors in Trinidad and Tobago from the Ebola Virus Disease and to the swift recovery from any incidence or spread of EVD should that occur.
