It's the first of the month and you know what that means, RABBIT RABBIT everyone. Dunno what that is? Click here --> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rabbit_rabbit_rabbit

And following up from my last journal, it's official. The Order of the Government of Trinidad & Tobago has passed the law that makes wearing masks MANDATORY. This means that once you are on the public road in a vehicle or in a public space, you will be required to wear something that covers your nose, mouth and chin.The only exception to this is that children under the age of eight (8) years and persons operating a vehicle or vessel alone.

Of course, the Government listed also listed reasonable excuses for not wearing a mask, which include:

* Medical, physical or mental illness or impairment which inhibits the person’s ability to wear a mask or face shield. They advised that persons who have a medical condition that impairs their ability to wear a mask, to carry proof of such as it would be up to the police officer to determine if the mask law applies to them or not.
* If the person is travelling with or providing assistance to someone that relies on lip reading to communicate.
* If the person removes the face covering to prevent harm or injury to themselves or others.
* If the person is escaping risk of harm and does not have a face covering with them.
* If it is reasonably necessary for the person to temporarily remove the mask to eat, drink or take medication.
* If a request is made for the person to remove the face covering for security/identification purposes.

The Government also stated that fitness activities was NOT excluded from the mask wearing regulations, once you are in a public space, you are required to wear a mask. They declared that ALL citizens are to comply with the mask wearing regulations regardless of station, this included elected officials, protective services and even the socially displaced. Work is currently underway to ensure that masks are provided to the socially displaced.

They further indicated that if children, 8 years or older are alone, they CAN be fined for not wearing a mask in public. Anyone caught by police not wearing a face mask in public can be subjected to a fixed penalty fine of TT$1,000.00 for the first offense, TT$2,000.00 for the second offense and TT$3,000.00 for the third offense.

In cases where persons are fined and believe that they had a valid reason for not wearing a mask, the matter can be taken to court and contested.

So yeah... this will stay in place till 14-SEP-2020 when the partial lockdown is lifted but even then, it's not for sure as the Government will make it's decision based on the COVID-19 situation.

So, until then, wear your face mask whenever you're out in a public space, wash your hands with soap and water and maintain your social distance of six (6) feet.