New Category : Covid-19

Health Officials Urge Continued Vigilance Amid COVID-19 Uptick

Fri, Jun 28th 2024, 02:12 PM

The Ministry of Health & Wellness has observed a recent uptick in the number of persons testing positive for influenza-like illnesses (ILI) including COVID-19, in The Bahamas.

This is not unexpected due to seasonality of these types of infections, known in some parts as‘summer colds’. As such, it is essential to continue practicing good hand hygiene, wearing masks,maintaining physical distance, getting tested and vaccinated. These practices can significantlyreduce transmission rates of infectious diseases as we continue to live with COVID-19 and be onthe lookout for new viruses.

The Ministry further advises that there are a number of other viruses that are causing ILIs globally.The National Communicable Diseases Surveillance Unit remains vigilant and continues to monitorthe situation both locally and globally, and are in constant communication with local medicalproviders through various alert mechanisms.

Stay updated with the latest information from reliable sources to make informed, safe decisions.For more information and updates please visit the Ministry’s website or social media pages.

The Ministry of Health & Wellness has observed a recent uptick in the number of persons testing positive for influenza-like illnesses (ILI) including COVID-19, in The Bahamas. This is not unexpected due to seasonality of these types of infections, known in some parts as ‘summer colds’. As such, it is essential to continue practicing good hand hygiene, wearing masks, maintaining physical distance, getting tested and vaccinated. These practices can significantly reduce transmission rates of infectious diseases as we continue to live with COVID-19 and be on the lookout for new viruses. The Ministry further advises that there are a number of other viruses that are causing ILIs globally. The National Communicable Diseases Surveillance Unit remains vigilant and continues to monitor the situation both locally and globally, and are in constant communication with local medical providers through various alert mechanisms. Stay updated with the latest information from reliable sources to make informed, safe decisions. For more information and updates please visit the Ministry’s website or social media pages.

One man dead as 36 cases of COVID-19 reported in six weeks

Mon, Jan 8th 2024, 08:26 AM

CASES of COVID-19 are on the rise in New Providence and Grand Bahama, with one man dying.

The Ministry of Health & Wellness said yesterday that 36 cases were reported in the last six weeks, 26 of them in December. JN.1, a variant of COVID-19 first detected in the United States in September, has been spreading. A US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention report in December said the strain may be more transmissible or better at evading immune systems than other variants currently circulating, according to the New York Times. Minister of Health & Wellness Dr Michael Darville told reporters yesterday that the variant is in The Bahamas. “As you can see coming out of the Christmas holidays, a lot of people travel abroad, and we’re exposed, and so there’s no question that the new variant is in the country. But there’s no need to panic, the Ministry of Health is on top of it,” he said. He added that the variant appears mild and similar to influenza A or B. The minister said Grand Bahama has recorded 11 new COVID-19 cases in the past two weeks. A man died from the virus on that island. In New Providence, two people were hospitalised after testing positive for the disease. None of the cases has required intensive care management. Health officials said 28,423 confirmed cases have been recorded in The Bahamas since the pandemic began. Eight hundred and forty-six people have been confirmed dead, and 12 deaths are under investigation. “The Ministry of Health & Wellness remains vigilant in its monitoring of disease trends that could pose possible public health concerns for the Bahamian population, especially trends within the region,” the ministry said. “Currently, neighbouring countries have noted increases in viral respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19 infections. In addition, visits to public health facilities for influenza-like illnesses within the region have increased. The COVID-19 virus (SARS CoV-2), influenza B, influenza A, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) have been responsible for most of these recorded cases.” People are encouraged to practice good respiratory hygiene –– covering the mouth and nose with a tissue while sneezing and coughing and disposing of the tissue into a trash can after use. People are also advised to practice proper hand hygiene using soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitiser after disposing of tissues.

The Ministry of Health & Wellness said yesterday that 36 cases were reported in the last six weeks, 26 of them in December.

JN.1, a variant of COVID-19 first detected in the United States in September, has been spreading. A US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention report in December said the strain may be more transmissible or better at evading immune systems than other variants currently circulating, according to the New York Times.

Minister of Health & Wellness Dr Michael Darville told reporters yesterday that the variant is in The Bahamas.

“As you can see coming out of the Christmas holidays, a lot of people travel abroad, and we’re exposed, and so there’s no question that the new variant is in the country. But there’s no need to panic, the Ministry of Health is on top of it,” he said.

He added that the variant appears mild and similar to influenza A or B.

The minister said Grand Bahama has recorded 11 new COVID-19 cases in the past two weeks. A man died from the virus on that island.

In New Providence, two people were hospitalised after testing positive for the disease. None of the cases has required intensive care management.

Health officials said 28,423 confirmed cases have been recorded in The Bahamas since the pandemic began. Eight hundred and forty-six people have been confirmed dead, and 12 deaths are under investigation.

“The Ministry of Health & Wellness remains vigilant in its monitoring of disease trends that could pose possible public health concerns for the Bahamian population, especially trends within the region,” the ministry said.

“Currently, neighbouring countries have noted increases in viral respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19 infections. In addition, visits to public health facilities for influenza-like illnesses within the region have increased. The COVID-19 virus (SARS CoV-2), influenza B, influenza A, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) have been responsible for most of these recorded cases.”

People are encouraged to practice good respiratory hygiene –– covering the mouth and nose with a tissue while sneezing and coughing and disposing of the tissue into a trash can after use.

People are also advised to practice proper hand hygiene using soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitiser after disposing of tissues.

 

'Slight uptick' in COVID-19 numbers seen at PMH

Mon, Jan 30th 2023, 03:49 PM

COVID-19 units at Princess Margaret Hospital are full due to a slight increase in cases, a hospital official said.

PMH Medical Chief of Staff Dr Caroline Burnett- Garraway spoke about admission trends at the hospital during a tour of the facility on Saturday. #“So our patient mix, we see about 25 percent paediatric patients and there was recently a surge with the RSV and different viruses that were circulating in the US and also in The Bahamas,” she said. #“And our COVID numbers there’s a slight uptick now as well. Meaning elderly persons, so they’re coming in for other reasons. We test all our admissions, and then we find that some of them are COVID positive. So our COVID units are actually full right now.” #Other diseases are leading to overcrowding at the hospital as well as trauma cases such as gunshot victims, she said. #“The non-communicable diseases - so diabetics out of control, hypertensive emergencies, heart attacks, strokes, those are the common things that we’re seeing. Pneumonias as well, mainly in the elderly and, of course, we have our trauma patients. So the assaults, gunshot wounds that continue to challenge us from New Providence and the Family Islands.” #Asked if there may be an increase in people seeking care for ailments that were not treated during the COVID-19 pandemic, she said: “That was a challenge because we weren’t able to do any elective surgery and we’re still challenged with that. #“We have elective cases like ladies who are bleeding who need a hysterectomy. Gentlemen with hernias or urological problems. Our eye surgery is also backed up. So certainly, the pandemic did affect that.”

PMH Medical Chief of Staff Dr Caroline Burnett- Garraway spoke about admission trends at the hospital during a tour of the facility on Saturday.

“So our patient mix, we see about 25 percent paediatric patients and there was recently a surge with the RSV and different viruses that were circulating in the US and also in The Bahamas,” she said.

“And our COVID numbers there’s a slight uptick now as well. Meaning elderly persons, so they’re coming in for other reasons. We test all our admissions, and then we find that some of them are COVID positive. So our COVID units are actually full right now.”

Other diseases are leading to overcrowding at the hospital as well as trauma cases such as gunshot victims, she said.

“The non-communicable diseases - so diabetics out of control, hypertensive emergencies, heart attacks, strokes, those are the common things that we’re seeing. Pneumonias as well, mainly in the elderly and, of course, we have our trauma patients. So the assaults, gunshot wounds that continue to challenge us from New Providence and the Family Islands.”

Asked if there may be an increase in people seeking care for ailments that were not treated during the COVID-19 pandemic, she said: “That was a challenge because we weren’t able to do any elective surgery and we’re still challenged with that.

“We have elective cases like ladies who are bleeding who need a hysterectomy. Gentlemen with hernias or urological problems. Our eye surgery is also backed up. So certainly, the pandemic did affect that.”

NO CHINA LIMIT AS COVID CASES RISE: Health Minister says officials are closely monitoring situation

Wed, Jan 4th 2023, 09:08 AM

HEALTH and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville said yesterday the government currently has no plans to impose COVID-19 testing requirements for travellers coming from China after a surge in cases there.

 

However, he also noted this could change as officials continue to closely monitor the situation. #In recent weeks, more than a dozen countries, including the US, UK and other European nations, have announced new testing measures for passengers from China as the nation battles an outbreak of COVID-19. #US government officials have cited concerns over a lack of data on infections in China and fears about the possibility of new strains emerging, according to international reports. # A new Omicron variant, called XBB, has created some cause for concern. # “Well, as far as we know, we have not gotten any report that the new variant is here,” Dr Darville said before going to a Cabinet meeting yesterday. “I suspect like when the Omicron variant arrived in The Bahamas, the confirmation took a few weeks and few months to determine. But, for us at the Ministry of Health and Wellness, our job is to be ready for any situation. We are operating as if it is in country, even though we may not have a verification at this time.” # “We are watching what’s going on internationally,” Dr Darville added. “We’re looking at our borders. We’re looking at the United States. We’re looking at what’s happening in China, and our EOC (Emergency Operation Centre) and our technical team is very much in tune with the cases.” # He added: “One of the things is over the holiday weekend, we had record amount of tourists visiting the country. This is good for our economy and at the Ministry of Health, it is our responsibility to mitigate the risk as it relates to COVID-19 and the economy.” #“I believe that we have done a relatively good job at this particular point and with all of our technical team, we will continue to do what we do at the ministry and to assure the Bahamian people that our job is to notify them anytime there is an incident that we believe it is worth reporting but as it stands right now, we are mindful. We are on alert.” # Dr Darville reminded that COVID will likely be with us for a long time, adding that while officials are concerned about numbers rising, they also must be mindful that the country’s economy is still rebounding. # He also explained that if the situation worsens, the government can adopt the health services rules “to put some measures in place”. # This comes after the Ministry of Health announced new precautionary measures have been implemented in the Intensive Care Unit and Neonatal Intensive Care unit following an increase in cases due to virus exposure at the facility. # The hospital’s COVID-19 protocols have been reinstated to only allow for two visitors per patient for a total of 15 minutes per visit. # Dr Darville said the move is a part of the ministry’s strategy to mitigate the effects of COVID-19. # “As far as the hospital is concerned, as of yesterday (Monday), we have 18 cases of COVID-19 in hospital and one case in the ICU,” he added. “We made it very clear in our rules, our COVID rules that we must protect our tertiary institutions, particularly our clinics, and the Princess Margaret Hospital and the Rand Memorial Hospital.” # “You might have noticed that as a result of the case in the ICU, the public hospital authority had to tighten our grips to limit the amount of visitors and the time spent with visitors at the ICU in the hospitals.” # “This is all a part of our strategy to try to mitigate the effects of COVID-19. One of the things I’d like to say is that COVID-19 never really went away.”  # He added: “At the hospitals, we have been dealing with situations associated with COVID and I’m pleased to report that we are able to handle the situation as it is today.”

However, he also noted this could change as officials continue to closely monitor the situation.

In recent weeks, more than a dozen countries, including the US, UK and other European nations, have announced new testing measures for passengers from China as the nation battles an outbreak of COVID-19.

US government officials have cited concerns over a lack of data on infections in China and fears about the possibility of new strains emerging, according to international reports.

A new Omicron variant, called XBB, has created some cause for concern.

“Well, as far as we know, we have not gotten any report that the new variant is here,” Dr Darville said before going to a Cabinet meeting yesterday. “I suspect like when the Omicron variant arrived in The Bahamas, the confirmation took a few weeks and few months to determine. But, for us at the Ministry of Health and Wellness, our job is to be ready for any situation. We are operating as if it is in country, even though we may not have a verification at this time.”

“We are watching what’s going on internationally,” Dr Darville added. “We’re looking at our borders. We’re looking at the United States. We’re looking at what’s happening in China, and our EOC (Emergency Operation Centre) and our technical team is very much in tune with the cases.”

He added: “One of the things is over the holiday weekend, we had record amount of tourists visiting the country. This is good for our economy and at the Ministry of Health, it is our responsibility to mitigate the risk as it relates to COVID-19 and the economy.”

“I believe that we have done a relatively good job at this particular point and with all of our technical team, we will continue to do what we do at the ministry and to assure the Bahamian people that our job is to notify them anytime there is an incident that we believe it is worth reporting but as it stands right now, we are mindful. We are on alert.”

Dr Darville reminded that COVID will likely be with us for a long time, adding that while officials are concerned about numbers rising, they also must be mindful that the country’s economy is still rebounding.

He also explained that if the situation worsens, the government can adopt the health services rules “to put some measures in place”.

This comes after the Ministry of Health announced new precautionary measures have been implemented in the Intensive Care Unit and Neonatal Intensive Care unit following an increase in cases due to virus exposure at the facility.

The hospital’s COVID-19 protocols have been reinstated to only allow for two visitors per patient for a total of 15 minutes per visit.

Dr Darville said the move is a part of the ministry’s strategy to mitigate the effects of COVID-19.

“As far as the hospital is concerned, as of yesterday (Monday), we have 18 cases of COVID-19 in hospital and one case in the ICU,” he added. “We made it very clear in our rules, our COVID rules that we must protect our tertiary institutions, particularly our clinics, and the Princess Margaret Hospital and the Rand Memorial Hospital.”

“You might have noticed that as a result of the case in the ICU, the public hospital authority had to tighten our grips to limit the amount of visitors and the time spent with visitors at the ICU in the hospitals.”

“This is all a part of our strategy to try to mitigate the effects of COVID-19. One of the things I’d like to say is that COVID-19 never really went away.” 

He added: “At the hospitals, we have been dealing with situations associated with COVID and I’m pleased to report that we are able to handle the situation as it is today.”