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The Minister of Health and Wellness, the Honorable Dr. Michael R. Darville, confirmed that there has been an increase in positive cases of COVID-19 in the past three (3) weeks, especially in New Providence. The Minister added that samples for testing for the Omicron BA.2 variant have been collected and sent for genomic profiling. He said that as cases continue to increase, disease surveillance has focused on the country’s schools. “The Ministry is working closely with the Ministries of Education and Technical and Vocational Training, as well as labor unions, … to look at how to mitigate potential transmission in schools so that our children are not adversely affected by not having access to education,” Minister Darville said.
He noted that the increase in hospitalizations is not directly related to COVID-19, but is related to complications of chronic non-communicable diseases (CNCD). The health minister called this “a common situation in countries struggling with CNCD, as the pandemic has pushed these complications to the back burner as they are related to routine care.” He said hospital officials are working to address bed capacity issues to accommodate the excess of hospitalized cases.
Public Hospital Authority (PHA) managing director Aubynette Rolle added that hospitals were recording the number of positive cases because a test for the virus was a prerequisite for admission. Dr Rolle said the majority of these were secondary diagnoses. She echoed previous statements by Health Minister Darville, who confirmed there was no need to panic as medicines were in adequate supply.
Bahamian people and residents are urged to continue to follow COVID-19 safety protocols, which can help limit the spread of the virus. People can also prevent severe COVID-19 infection by receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, the first dose and second booster dose, and the extended series of doses for those who are moderately to severely immunocompromised. Appointments can be made online at vax.gov.bs or by visiting a vaccination site. People with limited mobility can request a walk-in service by emailing vax242.mobile@gmail.com.
The public is encouraged to visit community clinics for primary and urgent care and to visit the Princess Margaret Hospital Emergency Department for urgent care. New Providence Polyclinic hours are:
- Elizabeth Manor Clinic: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 9:00 pm Flamingo Gardens Clinic: Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 9:00 pm
- Fleming Street Clinic: Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 8:00pm
- South Beach Health Center: Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
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