Bahamians can expect an increase in the number of coronavirus cases, according to Minster of Health Dr. Duane Sands, as The Bahamas is now a part of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Currently, there are three confirmed case of COVID-19 in The Bahamas.
Yesterday, the minister of health, Chief Medical Officer Pearl McMillian and other health officials gave a brief update to the media on the virus as the Ministry of Health has stimulated its plan to lessen the spread of COVID-19.
“Community participation will be critical if we are to change the epidemiologic pattern of cases here in The Bahamas. We can expect an increase in the number of cases within the coming days and we are preparing for that eventuality as and when it occurs,” Dr. Sands said.
He added that together ministries, agencies, departments, businesses, communities, corporations and the general public can succeed a flat line or tapering of the virus, which Dr. Sands said, “Simply means, we will have cases, but not too many cases.”
The Ministry of Health is following international practices for testing, as persons who are COVID-19 suspected cases or had close contact with a case will be tested.
“The lab that runs the tests, however, is located in New Providence. But on every island in every community, there are individuals who are trained and prepared to evaluate, to assess patients who may be concerned that they have symptoms,” Dr. Sands said.
That specimen, taken from the patient would be brought to the capital for examination and if needed the person on the Family Island would have to be brought to the capital by medical personnel and treated at the hospital facilities in New Providence.
Based on the characteristics of COVID-19 which have changed significantly since it was first diagnosed, the minister of health was unable to provide a clear timeline as to how long the virus will last with in the country.
However, Dr. McMillian said, “I can’t give you a concrete time. Now we have the opportunity to influence that, by the measures we’re putting in now. The more transmission you get, the harder it is for you to actually get a grip or to actually get us back to the point of normal.
“We have to protect our economy. We have to protect our people and we have to balance. So I can’t give you a concrete time. But I’m hopeful that once we get our people doing the things we’re asking them to do, we will be in a better place as it relates to trying to get beyond what we’re dealing with now.”
The Ministry of Health has implemented some protocols to help in combating the virus, such as practicing social distancing, employing good sanitation practices, avoiding unnecessary travel and decreasing your risk of infection.
If you have a chronic illness, stay at home. Persons at higher risk include the elderly and those who have diabetes, hypertension, asthma, heart disease and kidney disease, along with those who have weakened immune systems such as cancer patients, those on high-dose steroids, pregnant women, persons with sickle cell disease and cerebral palsy and those morbidly obese.
According to the John Hopkins coronavirus dashboard, globally there are about 215,947 confirmed cases. China, Italy and Iran have the highest number reported cases with a death toll of 8,749.
According to the Ministry of Health, The Bahamas has three confirmed cases of COVID-19, 11 persons are in quarantine and 31 persons have been released from quarantine.
