Security Provided For Trinidadian Student Returning From China

SCARABOROUGH, Tobago, February 24, 2020 (CMC) – Security has been provided, at the home of a Trinidad and Tobago student, who arrived from China, on Friday, after threats had been made against the family, over fears that the student may be carrying the deadly coronavirus (COVID-19).

Health Secretary, Dr. Agatha Carrington, was quoted, in media reports, here, as saying that she is aware of the threats being made against the unidentified student, and that 24-hour security had been provided at her home.

Carrington said all efforts are being made to treat with the situation and is urging people to “cease and desist” from spreading false information about the student, who tested negative on arrival, here.

Health authorities said that the student would be monitored, on a daily basis, to ensure that she remains in good health.

The Ministry of Health, in a statement, regarding the return of the student, a scholarship winner, said the student arrived at the ANR Robinson International Airport, here, on Friday at 5.21 pm (local time), and that she had been screened for the virus that has so far killed more than 2,000 people, mainly in China and South Korea.

It said, in addition, all passengers arriving on the flight had been screened and all were found to be negative, adding that the student was “immediately isolated” from all other persons, on arrival at the airport, interviewed and examined by the relevant authorities.

The statement said that the student is now under house quarantine and that the Division of Health, here, has complained of receiving several threatening messages, as well as postings on social media, regarding the return of the student.

It said it is urging people to stop the practice, and is assuring the public that there is no need for panic, as there are no cases of the coronavirus in Trinidad and Tobago.