Health Minister: “We Don’t Have a Massive Infestation, I’m Simply Reporting”

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GRAND BAHAMA , BAHAMAS – Health Minister Dr. Michael Darville says his ministry is monitoring a cluster of COVID-19 cases after 112 people attended a four-day retreat in Grand Bahama earlier this month.

Of the 20 people who tested positive through rapid testing, 14 are from Grand Bahama and six are from New Providence.

Asked about the risk of a wider outbreak, Dr. Darville says he does not want the latest development to cause unnecessary alarm.

Dr. Michael Darville – Minister of Health and Wellness

“COVID has always been in The Bahamas. COVID is global.”

Darville says the cluster has been resolved and should not be mistaken for a wider national outbreak.

Dr. Michael Darville – Minister of Health and Wellness

“The cluster is dissolved, and there’s nothing more to say about the cluster. Absolutely not. This has nothing to do with national COVID. COVID has never left us. This is one incident.”

He says it is his responsibility to inform the public about the cluster but does not want the situation to be blown out of proportion.

Dr. Michael Darville – Minister of Health and Wellness

“But it is my job as a Minister of Health, if I have a cluster, to report it to the people. But I don’t want this to get legs of its own, as if we have a massive infestation in the country.”

The latest cases may bring back memories of the pandemic, when masks, social distancing and regular testing became part of everyday life.

By December 2022, The Bahamas had recorded more than 37,000 cases and over 800 deaths, according to figures reported by the Pan American Health Organization.

When it comes to this latest cluster, Dr. Darville says many of those recently infected were vaccinated.

Dr. Michael Darville – Minister of Health and Wellness

“The majority of people who tested positive were vaccinated, so they had very minimal symptoms. So I’m back to where I started: vaccination is paramount to prevent complicated symptoms.”

The health minister is also reminding residents to take precautions to help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses.

Dr. Michael Darville – Minister of Health and Wellness

“Practice proper hygiene. If you have a cold or flu, 90% of people can recover from it at home. At least practise etiquette. If you have an upper respiratory tract infection, put a mask on. Don’t cough in front of people. Please cough into your sleeve, keep your hands clean, and make sure you’re practising these techniques that we learned during COVID.”

With the health minister urging residents to take the necessary precautions, he says the lessons learned during the pandemic still matter.