The Ministry of Health advises that there is an uptick in COVID-19 cases on the island of Grand Bahama. The total number of COVID-19 cases reported in the past three (3) days is seventeen (17). However, due to the submission of a late report, it was noted that the total number of COVID-19 cases on the island of Grand Bahama for the past three (3) days was twenty-seven (27). The breakdown of the actual number of cases is as follows:
Contact tracing activities are ongoing, and as guided by these activities, the positive cases have been placed in isolation.
Initial investigations reveal that there are no patterns or clusters in the current number of cases, and there are no clusters identified at any particular workplace.
Moreover, the majority of cases remain travel-related as follows:
• Three (3) persons tested positive upon returning from Nassau after five (5) days;
• One (1) of the positive cases arrived from Abaco, became symptomatic in Freeport, and subsequently tested positive; and
• Nine (9) of the cases tested positive after developing symptoms and being evaluated at a local hospital.
The general public is also advised that there is no association with international travel via air or the Balearia.
Notably, five (5) of the twenty-seven (27) positive cases have been hospitalised and are now in stable condition.
The Ministry of Health is concerned about the increase in hospitalizations on the island of Grand Bahama. Currently, there are thirteen (13) positive cases and one (1) person under investigation for COVID-19 in hospital. The rise in these cases may be due to the increase in attendance at events and smaller gatherings.
The Ministry of Health will continue to monitor developing trends in COVID-19 cases on the island of Grand Bahama.
The Bahamian public is advised that COVID-19 vaccinations are available in-country, and are being rolled out as outlined in the 14th March, 2021, Press Release from the Office of the Prime Minister. Until vaccination is possible, washing hands frequently, wearing a mask and keeping six feet apart from others are the most important actions we all can execute to prevent an outbreak of COVID-19 in our communities.
