New Providence The Epicenter Of Omicron Variant

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – New Providence has been labeled the epicenter of the Omicron COVID-19 variant in the country. During a news conference held by the Ministry of Health today, officials updated the nation on the fourth wave of the pandemic.

Jasmin Brown reports.

Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Michael Darville making it crystal clear during the press conference that the pandemic is far from over.

Even though the Ministry of Health is still awaiting results of samples sent to a South American lab, Dr. Darville says the rapid rise in cases is also a strong indicator that the Omicron variant has reached Bahamian shores.

While there were no new restrictions announced he and other MOH officials painted a sobering picture of a country in the middle of a fourth wave.

Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr. Philip Swann says new data has confirmed who and what is driving the fourth wave.

Last week, Dr. Darville announced changes to COVID-19 testing requirements to enter the country and restrictions for social gatherings and events as additional mitigation measures.

At the press conference he said additional mitigation measures will now include acquiring drugs to treat COVID-19 and the expansion of health care services.

The Bahamas recorded 65 covid cases in the latest MOH dashboard released on Wednesday afternoon. Fifty of those cases were on New Providence.

Since the start of the pandemic, The Bahamas has recorded more than 24,000 cases of COVID-19.