COVID-19 Update by Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis 1 April 2020
HIGHLIGHTS
Prime Minister Minnis provided important information in a national briefing on Wednesday as it relates to where The Bahamas stands in the fight against COVID-19.
The Bahamas is now experiencing a surge.
There is community spread.
As confirmed by the Ministry of Health, as of 1 April, there are a total of 21 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in The Bahamas – 16 in New Providence, 4 in Grand Bahama and 1 case in Bimini.
The Ministry of Health has confirmed that the death of a Bimini resident was COVID-19 related.
GIS (Geographic Information System) mapping has identified the eastern area of New Providence as a hot spot. Enforcement will be stepped up in the East to ensure that the curfew and physical distancing protocls are observed.
There are 1,500 diagnostic tests kits in the country.
Aggressive contact tracing continues.
The best weapon in combating the virus is physical distancing.
Family Island residents, like residents of New Providence, should remain at home in keeping with the Emergency Orders and physical distancing regulations, and only leave their homes for essential purposes.
There is no travel within the country by either boat or plane, with the exception of emergency personnel.
More than 50 healthcare workers have had to be removed from the healthcare system because of exposure to the virus.
All private medical and dental offices should stop routine and non-emergency services. These services, where possible should be done remotely. This does not include kidney dialysis facilities. Social distancing regulations must also be observed in the various doctors’ offices.
The Modular Unit at the Princess Margaret Hospital has been outfitted to accommodate four additional patients within a specially controlled environment.
The South Beach clinic is being modified in the same way and will accommodate 10 patients in anticipation of a possible surge. Protocols are in place at both facilities for the intake of suspected cases.
The Government is working on a rental assistance program for residents affected by COVID-19. More details to come.
Read the full speech here: https://opm.gov.bs/press-conference-remarks-update-on-covid-19-1-april/