The Ministry of Health & Wellness wishes to clarify that there is no increase in the number of recent deaths caused by COVID-19. Deaths added to the count have been the reclassification of deaths under investigation that occurred in the second, third and fourth waves.

As part of its processes to ensure accurate reporting of data, the National Surveillance Unit, has undertaken to resolve the number of deaths under investigation that occurred during the pandemic. Two recent exercises have been completed. In the first exercise, 11 deaths under investigation were reviewed and of these, eight (8) were re-classified as COVID-19 related deaths. All of these re-classified deaths occurred during the second wave of the pandemic and were confined to the period 2nd July, 2020 and 4th March, 2021. This batch of re-classified deaths were reported on 29th April, 2022. These eight (8) deaths from the second wave were reported at the same time as three (3) COVID-19 related deaths that occurred between 29th March and 11th April 2022.

In the second exercise, the Surveillance Unit was able to report the re-classification of a further fifteen (15)deaths under investigation. As a result, the total new number of COVID-19 related deaths had increased by nine (9) to 810. These deaths were added to the total COVID-19 deaths on 18th May, 2022, and occurred in the third and fourth waves during the period from 9th September 2021 and 11th February, 2022.

The Ministry of Health & Wellness further advises that between May 1st to May 17th, 2022 there have been three(3) additional reported COVID-19 related deaths.

The Ministry maintains that even one death related to COVID-19 is one too many. We further underscore that COVID-19 vaccines are proven to significantly decrease the risk of severe COVID-19 medical complications and death. Vaccines are available throughout the Commonwealth and we encourage Bahamians everywhere who have not been vaccinated to do so.

Effective 8th May, 2022 the COVID-19 online vaccination site, vax.gov.bs commenced the scheduling of 2nd booster doses. Walk-ins can also receive booster doses at vaccination centers. Information on 2nd boosters will automatically be included in the client’s existing record and shown on newly printed certificates and vaccination status checks using the vax.gov.bssite. 1st and 2nd dose vaccines and boosters are available, also Extended Series doses are available to persons aged 12 and over who are moderately to severely immunocompromised, 1-3 months after a 2nd dose of AstraZeneca/Pfizer or a Johnson & Johnson single dose.

Persons with mobility challenges may request a home visit by emailing vax242.mobile@gmail.com.