COVID-19 cases are increasing in Grand Bahama, according to a leading health official who reported that more patients are coming to the hospital "sicker and with poor outcomes", resulting in more deaths.

According to data from the Ministry of Health dated August 9, there were 26 hospital cases in Grand Bahama Health Services.

Dr Frank Bartlett, head of the COVID-19 Taskforce in Grand Bahama, said that number is even higher now. While cases are increasing, there is also a surge in demand on Grand Bahama for the vaccine, he said.

“We are seeing more cases in the hospital,” he said.

“We had 34 admissions yesterday. Persons are coming in sicker, and we are having more deaths, and when we look at cases on the dashboard it does not necessarily reflect what’s going on.”

Of the cases at the hospital in Grand Bahama, Dr Bartlett said three patients are on breathing machines, and “quite a few persons need high amounts of oxygen.”

Grand Bahama also reported 11 new cases of the virus on Monday.

When asked what residents can do to slow the spread of the disease, Dr Bartlett urged people to stay home, but if they have to go out, to avoid large gatherings.

“Second, if you develop symptoms, contact a physician as early as possible; do not wait to go to the hospital a week or two after becoming ill.

“We have patients coming in after being sick for two and three weeks, and they are becoming sicker, and the outcomes are not good,” he stressed.

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