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Two additional cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Tobago.

In a release this morning the Division of Health Wellness and Family Development says both are contacts of a recently positive COVID-19 case.

Additionally the division says all established protocols have been implemented of contact tracing which is ongoing.

Tobago has now recorded 8 COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic.

The division is again urging members of the public to follow all measures outlined to mitigate the spread of the virus including staying home when ill.

The division will host a news conference this afternoon to discuss the recent developments on the island.

United National Congress candidate for Tunapuna David Nahkid says the challenge of the results should not be seen as a bad thing for the country.

Speaking with Newscenter 5 yesterday Mr. Nahkid said his party’s call for the recount shows democracy is alive.

Mr. Nahkid also said the words of Dr. Rowley worsen the situation.

He said only until the process is complete will he consider his next option.

It is now official the Peoples National Movement has won the General Election.

The Elections and Boundaries Commission yesterday released the preliminary figures for Monday’s General Election.

The preliminary figures show that the PNM won 22 of the 41 seats in the parliament, with the remaining 19 going to the main opposition United National Congress.

But the EBC said yesterday the recount was still taking place in 5 constituencies as had been requested by the defeated UNC candidates for the constituencies of St. Joseph, Tunapuna, La Horquetta/Talparo, Toco/Sangre Grande, San Fernando west.

Now that the General Election campaign is over health officials are bracing for what could be a spike in the number of COVID-19 cases in the country.

Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Roshan Parasram says during the campaign many people paid no attention to the protocols created to minimise the spread of the virus.

Speaking at yesterday’s COVID-19 media update, acting principal medical officer in charge of institutions, Dr. Miriam Abdool Richards said facilities are being checked.

Director of the Epidemiology Division, Dr. Avery Hinds said there has been a steady increase in the number of daily cases of the virus.

Dr. Hinds said 64 percent of immediate cases are from clusters.

The latest bulletin from the Ministry of Health last night said there have been 326 infections in the country.

One hundred and seventy-nine are active cases.

There is a total of 18 new cases, between August 5^th to August 12^th. 

Police are probing the murder of Kerron Medina.

He was gunned down in Arima yesterday.

Reports say 42-year-old Mr. Medina was sitting in the driver’s seat of a Nissan Frontier parked along Jacob Hill, in Wallerfield at around 2.45pm when an armed man approached him.

The gunman opened fire hitting Mr. Medina several times before escaping.

Residents heard the gunshots and called the police.

Members of the Northern Division Emergency Response Patrol visited the scene.

A District Medical Officer later declared Medina dead and police are seeking public assistance in identifying the body of the woman found in Curepe.

The corpse was discovered on Monday afternoon.

Reports are saying the deceased is of African descent, in her 30s and medium built.

She was discovered in a hole partially filled with water.

The hole is on an open lot of land off Havelock Street, Curepe.

Police say the corpse bore what appeared to be marks of violence.

Anyone with information is being asked to contact the nearest police station.

There are no plans at this time to change the leadership of the United National Congress.

UNC Public Relations Officer, Anita Haynes confirms this.

The question has been asked in many quarters following yet another defeat for the party under the stewardship of Kamla Persad-Bissessar. 

However, at a news conference yesterday Public Relations Officer Ms. Haynes said a change of leadership is not in the cards at this time.

However, Ms. Haynes noted that there will be a change if need be when internal elections are due.

The UNC’s request for recounts in 5 constituencies is described as a desperate move.

The party wants recounts in 5 seats following Monday’s preliminary results.

Yesterday Political Analyst, Dr. Winford James said he is suspicious of the party’s real motive.

Dr. James told Newscenter 5 he is doubtful the Elections and Boundaries Commission made a mistake.

Meanwhile Deputy Political Leader of the PNM Fitzgeral Hinds said the UNC is trying to cover its tracks.

He said he almost feels sorry for Mrs. Kamla Persad Bissessar.

Chairman of the Port of Spain Peoples Movement, Louis Lee Sing is not surprised by the results of the polls.

But he is also standing behind the Elections and Boundaries Commission, calling it one of the more credible State institutions in the country.

Mr. Lee Sing is also crediting Dr. Keith Rowley for keeping the democracy intact.

But he has some concerns about the campaign the PNM conducted.

Mr. Lee Sing also disagreed with those who say there is no breathing room for a 3^rd party on the political landscape.

He said yesterday such parties are plagued by funding issues and being able to carve out their space in the politics.