MINISTRY OF HEALTH NATIONAL REFERENCE LABORATORY
Update #13
The Ministry of Health wishes to advise the public that The Bahamas is one of the Caribbean countries providing COVID-19 laboratory testing.
COVID-19 testing will be conducted at the Ministry of Health National Reference Laboratory (NRL), which is internationally accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP), and is the only laboratory in The Bahamas certified by PAHO/WHO to perform COVID-19 testing. Therefore, any other tests outside the purview of the Ministry of Health must first be approved for use in the country.
The NRL receives technical assistance and a continuous supply of molecular test kits by PAHO/WHO. The NRL has never received, distributed or utilized any of the faulty United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tests kits, as they were recalled prior to distribution.
RESIDENT RETURN QUARATINE
Update #14
The Ministry of Health wishes to advise the public that The Bahamas currently has four (4) confirmed cases of COVID-19.
In view of the implemented border control and quarantine measures for travelers to The Bahamas, as outlined in the Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan, the Ministry of Health wishes to inform the public that residents returning to The Bahamas who have a history of travel to China, South Korea, Italy, Iran, Europe, the United Kingdom and Ireland within 20 days of commencing travel, WILL be quarantined on arrival in The Bahamas for up to fourteen (14) days.
During this quarantine period, persons will be monitored for the development of symptoms. Additionally, contact with non-health personnel, such as families and friends will not be permitted.
The Ministry of Health requests the understanding and support of the general public during this time to ensure the protection and well-being of all our residents and visitors. These public health measures are being taken to minimize the spread of COVID-19 throughout The Bahamas, and to protect the health of the population.
THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH CONFIRMS COVID-19 CASES JUMP TO FOUR
Update #15
The Ministry of Health has confirmed one new case of the COVID-19 coronavirus in New Providence. This brings the total number of confirmed cases to four.
This latest case has been linked to the first confirmed case who remains in hospital in stable condition and is being managed in isolation.
On Wednesday 18 March, the Ministry of Health reported the addition of two confirmed positive cases of COVID-19. Those cases were also contacts of the initial case.
Health officials continue to follow the condition of the COVID-19 positive cases, three of whom remain in isolation at home and do not require hospitalization at this time.
The Ministry of Health has expanded it testing capacity with the addition of 1,000 COVID-19 test kits which arrived on the island today, bringing to 1,750 the total number of test kits available at this time.
Members of the public are reminded to follow the Emergency Powers (COVID-19) Order announced yesterday by Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis to reduce the spread of the virus, including social distancing.
As part of the efforts to stay safe:
• Stay home if you are feeling ill and having fever and/or respiratory symptoms.
• Frequently wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, and then discard it.
• Refrain from touching your face.
The Ministry of Health will continue to provide regular updates to the public.
For more information contact the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 Hotline at 376-9350 (8am-8pm) and 376-9387 (8pm-8am); 502-7382 or toll free 1-242-300-2619.
Information and updates on COVID-19 can also be found at the Ministry’s website at https://www.covid19.gov.bs and The Bahamas Ministry of Health on Facebook. Members of the public may also e-mail covid19@bahamas.gov.bs.
