CARPHA employee tests positive for COVID-19

The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) Wednesday disclosed that one staff member at its Port of Spain office has tested positive for  COVID-19.

CARPHA has however assured that its operations have not been affected and all necessary measures have been taken to handle the matter including “isolation of the positive case, sanitising of workspaces, and sampling, testing and quarantining of contacts.”

CARPHA has been conducting COVID-19 laboratory tests for member states. It has also been heavily engaged in raising public awareness on COVID-19, and providing up-to-date situation reports and guidelines to assist in managing and controlling the spread of the virus.

In a statement, the regional agency said: “The Chief Medical Officer of Trinidad and Tobago was immediately informed and updated on the measures taken, for forward action of contact with the positive case by the Ministry of Health.

“The individual with the COVID-19 virus is currently receiving appropriate care, and we wish our staff member a speedy recovery.”

CARPHA said its Workplace Protocol for COVID-19 will continue to be reinforced, and the local Ministry of Health guidance is being strictly applied.

The agency stressed that it remains committed and available to serve the public health needs of all its member states and provide support in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.