#NASSAU, Bahamas — Minister of Health the Hon. Dr. Duane Sands explained that case identification, testing and isolation along with aggressive contact tracing and quarantine, as appropriate, are proven public health measures for controlling outbreaks.
“In pandemics, such as we are currently
experiencing due to COVID, these measures become most important given the
potential for uncontrolled spread in populations with no previous exposure and
therefore no one having immunity and everyone susceptible to infection,” Dr.
Sands stated as he presented an Update on the COVID-19 Response in The Bahamas
in the House of Assembly, April 27, 2020.
He noted that case confirmation is tied to
laboratory testing capacity and significant strides continue to be made in this
area.
“Since my last update, we have accepted
1,000 donated RT PCR test kits as well as more than 700 RNA extractor kits and
other regents required for testing.
“Despite an inventory of at least 4000 RT
PCR kits, we remain challenged to expand testing to reach the elusive goal of
testing-on-demand because of international supply chain limitations.”
Dr. Sands said currently, the nation’s
swab inventory stands at 1100 swabs remaining and our lab is currently exploring
multiple avenues for enhanced capacity.
“We have ordered and are expecting 3D
printed swabs, validation of samples such as sputum instead of nasopharyngeal
swabs and locally produced viral transport media. We shall also partner with
the private sector to provide PCR testing.”
He added that very soon persons wishing to
be tested will be able to have them done at approved private labs. He said the Health Ministry is also closely
monitoring the refinement of antibody tests.
“This past weekend, we did a validation study of some 200 such tests.”
The Health Minister said, “As you may
recall, I advised that we would be expanding our testing protocol to include
health care workers and caregivers of vulnerable populations (nursing homes) as
well as others who provide healthcare in the homes of elderly and ill or
disabled people.
“I must now inform that testing priorities
have now shifted due to the requirement to test all health care worker contacts
associated with the eight confirmed cases in the Medical/Surgical Ward at Princess
Margaret Hospital.”
He added, “Additionally, with one of the cases linked to the Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre (SRC) testing of potentially exposed at that institution is also occurring.”