Bahamas News
Bahamas COVID-19 trend threatens to overwhelm health system; strong push to augment supplies
#Nassau, The Bahamas – April 7, 2020 — COVID-19 cases for The Bahamas have been steadily increasing and the Minister of Health, on Monday, said his team is bracing for a surge while suffering a severe loss in front line health care workers who are under quarantine.
“Among these confirmed positive COVID-19 health care worker, two (2) have had to be hospitalized. What is more worrisome, is that more than fifty (50) health care workers have been identified as contacts of diagnosed/confirmed cases. These health care workers are currently in quarantine, and are being monitored for the development of symptoms.
Clearly, if more health care workers are removed from the available pool, there will be no soldiers left to fight the COVID war. We must protect our frontline workers. The best way to do this is to stay at home!”
Minister, Dr. Duane Sands wants what officials around the world want – for people to live through this pandemic by following the protocols, though difficult.
“Currently, there are 23 cases in New Providence; 5 cases in Grand Bahama; and 1 case from Bimini. This equates to almost one new case each day. If we continue on this path, our health care system will be overwhelmed and unable to meet the demands. Social and physical distancing and responsible handwashing are the two mitigating actions that will help us to combat the strength of this virus,” said the Minister during a presentation in the House of Assembly.
The nation learned that the People’s Republic of China has donated 1,000 test kits and The Bahamas now has 10,000 rapid tests which will mean wider screening at the community level.
“We are exploring the introduction of rapid testing. The first step in the process requires in-country validation of the rapid serological testing. Once this validation is completed, wider screening for COVID-19 at the community level will commence. There are 10,000 rapid test kits in-country.”
More challenging however, as the world competes for the same products, is for The Bahamas to ensure the frontline soldiers in Health Care are adequately outfitted for the battle.
“With this in mind, we are aggressively exploring various ways and means to acquire more personal protective equipment (PPE) inventory and other supplies. The global shortage of PPEs and other needed supplies have resulted in supply chain disruptions. Many countries are holding on to their stock, and others are coveting the stocks found in other countries. Hence, we must manage our current supplies judiciously. Our goal is to ensure that there is a consistent supply of PPEs to frontline nurses, doctors and support staff. With this equipment, they can provide the necessary care to individuals presenting to and being admitted to health care facilities,” said Minister Sands.
The Bahamas Ministry of Health currently has: 1,000 boxes of surgical masks; 43,995 of N95 masks; 2,418 surgeon gowns; 1,672 healthcare barrier gowns; 238 face shields; 4,590 boxes of gloves; and 6,033+ PPE full kits, (masks, 2 gloves, boot cover, head cover, face shield).
On Monday, Bahamas Prime Minister, Dr. Hubert Minnis informed that the Public Hospitals Authority will label their medical face masks, that government will purchase all of the medical masks within the marketplace and soon to come is a ban on the sale of these specialized items to the general public.
The Bahamas has over 29.5 million surgical masks and another 691,000 cloth masks according to the Health Minister in his update. As for gloves, there are nearly 270,000,000.
“The Ministry of Health will continue to trump up efforts to ensure that our frontline health care workers are provided with appropriate PPEs and training to minimize their level of exposure to the COVID19 virus.”
The Bahamas, up to Monday April 6 recorded 33 positives for COVID-19 and five deaths, including a medical doctor.
Dr. Judson Eneas, 71, died on Sunday April 5 as a result of contracting the coronavirus; one of five medical care workers who had been infected in service to the public.
Bahamas News
Get your laugh on, March On, family drama by Gea Pierre, debut this weekend in Turks and Caicos
This is the sixth edition of the relays and the fourth time that The Bahamas has hosted the event, which actually made its debut in The Bahamas in 2014.
President, World Athletics, Sabastian Coe said after three very successful editions from 2014 to 2017, the World Athletics Relays has quickly become one of the World Athletics vibrant competitions, developing a culture of fun and innovation that gives it a unique flavour.
He thanked the Bahamas Government, the local World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 committee and the Bahamian people for agreeing to host the relays. However, his main thanks were to the “world’s best sprinters” travelling from all the continents to compete in preparation for the road to Paris, France, in two months’ time.
During the opening ceremony, the athletes were given words of advice from Carl Lewis, one of only four Olympic athletes to have won nine Olympic gold medals, who is widely recognized as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
He said, “Keep it simple, do not try to do anything extra. Do what your coaches said. Leave on time, leave on time, leave on time.”
The athletes and crowds were treated to the sounds and sights of Junkanoo at the end of the opening ceremony. The Junkanoo performers stuck around for the two days of competitions, playing for the sprinters as they competed on the track.
Teams competed in the Women’s and men’s 4x100m, and the women’s men’s and mixed 4x400m. A total of 14 teams at the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 automatically qualified for places at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Both days of competition were important, as day two offered another chance for qualifications for those teams unsuccessful on day one.
Bahamians were made proud as the country set a new national record during the mixed 4x400m relays thanks to the efforts of 16-year-old Shania Adderley, a student of Tabernacle Baptist Academy.
The team came first in their heat on Sunday evening after not being able to gain a spot for the Paris Olympics on the first day of competition.
Other sprinters on the team included Alonzo Russell, as well as Olympic champions Steven Gardiner and Shaunae Miller-Uibo.
NASSAU, The Bahamas – During his remarks at the Opening Ceremony for the World Athletics Relays 2024, on May 4, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis welcomed the special guests, athletes, officials, and “all lovers of athletics from around the world” to the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium here in the “vibrant heart” of Nassau, Bahamas.
“This weekend, the world’s finest athletes gather on our shores to embark on a journey that is not only about speed and strength but also about dreams and determination,” Prime Minister Davis said. “From the serene beauty of our islands to the historic grandeur of Paris, this event marks a crucial path to the Olympic Games in Paris 2024.”
He added: “Here in The Bahamas, we are no strangers to world-class athletics or the warmth and exuberance that such international gatherings bring. It is a distinct honor to once again welcome the World Athletics Relays back to our islands. This event holds a special place in our hearts, symbolizing a bridge between nations brought together by the universal language of sport.”
Prime Minister Davis noted that that year’s theme, “Paradise to Paris,” captured the essence of that journey.
“It is here, amidst the splendor of our sun-kissed beaches and the rhythmic sway of our palms that the chase towards Olympic glory begins anew,” he stated. “We are thrilled to offer a backdrop of unparalleled beauty, where every sprint, every baton pass, and every victory lap is set against the picture-perfect canvas of our islands.”
He added: “To our athletes, I say this: as you stand on the precipice of your dreams, ready to catapult yourself into the annals of history, know that you are part of a legacy of excellence and determination. This weekend, you are not only competitors but also ambassadors of your countries and the spirit of sport. We are especially proud of Team Bahamas, who carry the weight of their performance and the hopes and pride of our nation. You embody the spirit of The Bahamian people, and we are behind you every step of the way.”
Prime Minister said that to the international visitors, he extended “the warmest Bahamian welcome”.
“Over the next few days, as you revel in the thrill of competition, take a moment to bask in the beauty of our island,” he stated. “Discover why we proudly say, “It’s Better in The Bahamas.” Whether it’s the hospitality of our people, the tranquility of our waters, or the rhythm of our culture, you are in for an experience that captures the heart and rejuvenates the soul.”
“Let us celebrate the unity and friendship that sports foster, cheering every athlete and savoring the spectacle of human potential at its best,” Prime Minister Davis added. “I hope the races are swift, the results are inspiring, and the memories are lasting.
“Welcome to The Bahamas, the paradise where champions chase their dreams to Paris. As your host, it is my immense pleasure to declare the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 2024 officially open. Let the games begin.”
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