Trinidad and Tobago enters its first week under a COVID triggered State Of Emergency.

The rising number of deaths and new infections forced the government of Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley to declare the State Of Emergency.

According to Dr. Rowley attempts were made to avoid it.

More than 24 hours after the declaration by the Prime Minister, the President of the Republic Paula Mae Weekes proclaimed the SOE.

According to the emergency powers enacted by the President, anyone violating the regulations will face a hefty $250,000 dollar fine.

The regulations were accompanied by the standing Public Health Regulations aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19.

The regulations outline several restrictions on activities, which include outdoor sports and exercise along with the 9pm to 5am curfew.

The regulations include a ban on gatherings in public places and the holding of public parties or public fetes and the closure of private pre schools and similar establishments.

Water parks, restaurants and bars are closed and the regulations allow the Defence Force to act with the police service.

The regulations say the Chief of Defence Staff under the Defence Act, shall hold his forces in readiness to assist and if called upon by the Commissioner of Police to cooperate with and assist in the performance of his duties.

The last time the twin island republic was in a State Of Emergency was in 2001.

The then government of Kamla Persad Bissessar declared the SOE as a response to a crisis level crime problem.