#NASSAU, The Bahamas – May 9, 2020 – Dr. Merceline Dahl-Regis, COVID-19 Task Force Coordinator and Special Adviser to the Prime Minister said the Ministry of Health remains concerned about the number of frontline healthcare workers who have contracted COVID-19.
“Exposures to
COVID-19 have been experienced at a number of healthcare locations, including
Princess Margaret Hospital and Doctors Hospital. Notwithstanding known social
exposures,” Dr. Dahl-Regis stated during the COVID-19 Update Press
Conference held at the Ministry of Health, Thursday, May 7, 2020.
She explained
that to date, The Bahamas has 22 healthcare workers who have contracted
COVID-19. Of the 22, there are:
· five physicians;
· one physiotherapist;
· two trained clinical nurses;
· one domestic staff;
· seven registered nurses; and
· six patient-care assistants
and technicians.
Dr. Dahl-Regis said these professionals account for 23.9 per cent of total
cases in The Bahamas.
“Regionally, The Bahamas ranks
high for the percentage of total COVID-19 infections occurring in healthcare
workers.
“Consequently, plans are in
process to closely investigate the reasons why so many healthcare workers have
been affected by COVID-19 in the country.”
She stated, “This investigation
would support the identification of the most appropriate infection prevention
and control measures to be strengthened to better protect healthcare workers.”
The COVID-19 Task Force
Coordinator
added that investigation would identify vulnerabilities and characteristics of
exposure risk factors.
She noted that a case-controlled
study will also categorize risk and the effectiveness of infection prevention
and control measures currently in place.
“This information will also
inform the international scientific community recommendations on prevention and
management of COVID-19 infections in healthcare workers.”
Dr. Dahl-Regis also noted
that the Ministry of Health is concerned about the number of healthcare workers
who provide additional services outside of the major health facilities.
“Since the 21st
of April when the Emergency Powers Orders related to the provision of home care
services were signed to give effect to improved medical, therapeutic or other
patient care in homes and residential care facilities, more than 130 home care
providers have contacted and submitted documents to the Office of the Chief
Medical Officer.”
She said all persons provided
details on their training, qualification and practice. A number of them have
completed infection control protocol training provided by the Ministry of
Health in partnership with the Early Access Training Centre prior to providing
any further care.
Letters authorizing these persons to continue providing home care services are issued by the Ministry of Health.