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The Department of Health and Wellness has confirmed that several schools on New Providence Island have reported positive cases of COVID-19 among staff and students. As of May 10, 2022, thirty-eight (38) positive cases were reported via molecular testing (or RT-PCR) over a four-week period. These cases are spread across multiple schools and represent a small portion of the overall COVID-19 cases. The Department of Health and Wellness has also confirmed that no clusters of cases have been reported within schools in the Family Islands. While these numbers do not reflect an outbreak in our community, the Department of Health and Wellness insists that individuals must continue to strictly adhere to standard health safety protocols, including hand washing, appropriate mask wearing (especially in enclosed spaces), and appropriate isolation or quarantine if suspected or tested positive for COVID-19 infection.
The MOH also advises that contact tracing is an important component of investigating cases and their possible links to other cases, which could lead to the initiation of isolation or quarantine measures. Regarding school operations, the MOH supports the recognized process of making recommendations to the Ministries of Education and Technical and Vocational Training regarding the permissions and conditions for school operations during a pandemic or other health emergency. The MOH emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships with schools and their surveillance units/contact tracing teams to guide decisions on managing potential health challenges related to infectious diseases, as such decisions can have an academic and psychological impact on students across the country. That being said, the MOH has not recommended the closure of any schools in the past few weeks.
In the interest of the public, the Ministry of Health reminds that as of May 8, 2022, the COVID-19 online vaccination website vax.gov.bs has been upgraded to accommodate the scheduling of the second booster dose. Recipients who do not need an appointment can also receive the booster dose at the vaccination center. Information on the second booster dose will be automatically included in the customer’s existing record and will appear in new printed certificates and vaccination status checks using the vax.gov.bs website. First and second doses of vaccine, boosters and extended series – for moderately to severely immunocompromised people aged 12 years and above, can be obtained 1-3 months after the second dose of AstraZeneca/Pfizer or Johnson & Johnson single-dose vaccine.
People with limited mobility can request a home visit by emailing vax242.mobile@gmail.com.
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