Dr. Merceline Dahl-Regis, COVID-19 Task Force Coordinator and Special Adviser (file)
#NASSAU, The Bahamas — July 14, 2020 – Dr. Merceline Dahl-Regis, COVID-19 Task Force Coordinator and Special Adviser to the Prime Minister explained that an external review conducted by local and international health officials confirmed that the deaths of two individuals previously confirmed to have COVID-19, were not due to the virus.
“The Ministry of Health
has amended its COVID-19 dashboard to reflect ‘Non-COVID’ related deaths,” Dr,
Dahl-Regis stated during a COVID-19
Update Press Conference, at the Ministry of Health, Tuesday, July 14, 2020.
“This new feature will
serve to classify a patient who was diagnosed with COVID-19, but whose death
was not caused by the virus.
“The Ministry of Health
again offers its heartfelt condolences to all who have lost family members and
loved ones to COVID-19.”
She said Health Officials
are happy to report that the island of Bimini has been given the all-clear as
it relates to COVID-19.
Dr. Dahl-Regis stated that
the residents of Bimini should be congratulated for their dedicated commitment
and sacrifices to prevent the community spread of COVID-19.
“After experiencing a
two-week lockdown, Bimini has had no reported cases for 59 days.
She noted however that
after 63 days of reporting no cases, Grand Bahama has had eight new confirmed
cases in the space of six days.
COVID-19
Task Force Coordinator said for the
majority of these new cases, there is a related travel history, according to
the data collected so far by the Surveillance Unit.
She again stressed that
with the full re-opening of international borders on the 1st
of July, all travellers – domestic
and international – are required to complete an electronic Health Visa prior to
departing for The Bahamas or a Family Island.
The Visa can be found at travel.gov.bs.
Dr. Dahl-Regis explained
that Health Visa applications take up to 72 hours to process and should be
completed with adequate lead time.
She said international
travellers must present a COVID-19 RT-PCR Test with a negative result to enter
The Bahamas. The test must be taken no more than 10 days prior to the date of
travel. Test results must be uploaded in the Health Visa portal and presented
upon arrival.
Dr. Dahl-Regis noted that
any person presenting a test older than 10 days will not be allowed entry into
The Bahamas. Children under the age of 10 are not required to take a test.
“An automated response
will be provided once the application is completed. Individuals approved to
travel will receive a green color-coded response, as proof of approval. This confirmation must be presented upon arrival
in The Bahamas.”
She said it is recommended
that all travellers interested in visiting The Bahamas review requirements
applicable to each member of their traveling party at
www.bahamas.com/travelupdates before booking a trip. The travel requirements
for Bahamians and residents returning home after being away for a period of 72
hours or less, will be amended.
Dr. Dahl-Regis said
Bahamians and residents traveling for a period of 72 hours or less will be
required to quarantine for 14 days unless they produce a COVID-19 RT-PCR Test
with a negative result upon arrival.
“We acknowledge that
travellers have experienced difficulties upon arrival at LPIA.
“We are working on strengthening coordination between the ministries of health and tourism, and the departments of immigration and customs to address this matter.” She added, “Government officials are on high alert for cases of suspected forgery, tampering and/or altering of required documents. And are prepared to take action if necessary.”
Press Release, Bahamas Information Services by By Llonella Gilbert