Minister of Health the Hon. Renward Wells said as of Thursday the 15th of October, 2020, there were 132 new cases of COVID-19 recorded bringing the total number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in The Bahamas to 5,517.
“There are 2,164 active cases. Currently, there are 107 hospitalized patients. Twenty-three (23) additional cases have recovered and been released from care. Total recoveries are now at 3,201 which is a recovery rate of 58 per cent,” Minister Wells explained during a COVID-19 Update Press Conference at the Ministry of Health, Friday, October 16, 2020.
“For the past 30 days, we have averaged 1.5 COVID-19 deaths each day. Three deaths alone were reported yesterday. We remind the Bahamian people that COVID-19 is no respecter of persons.” Minister Wells stated that so far, 26,150 samples have been tested. There were 565 tests completed Thursday, 15th October, 2020.
“I would like to point out that at the start of the second wave of COVID-19 in The Bahamas, a total of 2,540 tests had been completed as of the 13th of July, 2020. This number includes some follow-up testing on COVID-19 patients.
“Fast forward to yesterday’s results of 26,150, shows that The Bahamas has ramped up an improved testing output of 900 per cent.
He said his report of the COVID-19 numbers today deviates from its usual format. “We have heard the requests from the community for changes to the way we present information and data.”
Minister Wells said to more effectively inform the public, going forward the Ministry of Health will phase in a more comprehensive COVID-19 Update, similar to the one just presented. The COVID-19 Dashboard in its current form will also be phased out.
“We encourage members of the community to continue to engage us through our clinic and hospital community advocacy groups and via our Social Media platforms. Through community partnerships, we can combat this pandemic.”
He stated that in addition to community partnerships, the Government continues to embark on a multi-sectorial approach to decrease the spread of COVID-19.
The Health Minister explained that an additional 80 persons will be trained as contact tracers to assist in the vital task of identifying, contacting, and conducting further follow up work on contacts of confirmed cases. This includes:
• 10 Civil Servants;
• 10 persons from the Ministry of Tourism; and
• 60 employees of Bahamas air.
This will bring the total number of contact tracers to 111.
He said these new persons will be trained to assist with the vital tasks of identifying, contacting, and conducting further follow up work on contacts.
Minister Wells said, “Also, to streamline our COVID-19 efforts, I am pleased to announce the reactivation of the COVID-19, 511 number, which went live yesterday, 15th October, 2020. This number will again act as the central portal for your COVID-19 questions, queries and reports.
“Now when you call 511 you will have access to contact tracers and medical personnel. You will also be able to inquire about work and travel protocols and report violations of public health measures or the Emergency Orders. Once you dial 511 listen to the recorded message then select the number that best suits your needs,” he said.
By Llonella Gilbert
