Nine more persons have tested positive for COVID-19 in Trinidad and Tobago.

The latest update from the Ministry of Health says this figure represents tests carried out last Sunday.

The total number of persons tested positive since March is 6,669.

The total number of active cases is now at 778.

The Ministry said yesterday to date, 5,771 persons have recovered from the virus, while the total death count remained at 120.

And Epidemiologist Dr. Avery Hinds says cluster and community spread of the coronavirus continue to be issues affecting Trinidad and Tobago.

Dr. Hinds told the media yesterday easing restrictions on mask wearing will not be part of the new normal in the forseeable future.

He said the positive case figures now stands at 30 per day because of these restrictions and guidelines.

Meanwhile one local medical expert says that no steps were missed in creating a vaccine for coronavirus.

Professor of Molecular Genetics and Virology Dr. Christine Carrington yesterday explained the speed at which COVID-19 vaccines have developed.

She said it is because focus was heavily placed on treating this rapidly spreading pandemic.

Dr. Carrington also assured there was no need to worry about the quality of the vaccine.

She said the proper process was followed.

Dr. Carrington was speaking at the COVID-19 media briefing yesterday.