Data Estimates Suggest COVID-19 Rate Much Higher

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The actual number of COVID-19 cases in The Bahamas may be vastly underrepresented because of a technicality on which cases get reported to members of the public, according to a former health minister.

Marlena Leonard has the details.

Data estimates suggest the true number of new daily COVID cases in The Bahamas may be approximately 30 times higher than the number reported on the Ministry of Health’s dashboard. That’s according to former Health Minister Dr. Duane Sands.

Sands explains that’s because the dashboard only reports RT-PCR results.

Many voices around the world express a sentiment that the COVID crisis is behind us. However Dr. Sands tells members of the Rotary Club of West Nassau, that is simply not the case.

Dr. Sands says it’s understandable that families opt for the rapid antigen tests over the PCR tests given the price of PCR testing, but since only PCR test results are displayed on the MOH dashboard, those using the datasheet to get an idea of the COVID rates in the country, are lacking major data points for context.