July 20, 2020
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One more death and 38 new cases confirmed
THE Ministry of Health reported 38 new COVID-19 cases and one additional death yesterday.
$2.4m paid out in rent to support Bahamians
THE government has paid out $2.4m in rental assistance to hurting Bahamians amid the COVID-19 pandemic over the last ten months, acting Social Services Director Kim Sawyer revealed yesterday.
Emergency meetings on COVID concerns called at nursing homes
EMERGENCY meetings on coronavirus concerns were called at several private nursing homes yesterday after government officials revealed a local eldercare home had recently experienced a COVID-19 outbreak, resulting in the death of one patient.
‘Possibility’ of new COVID-19 mutations being in the country
WITH a number of new COVID-19 infections linked to recent travel, a local health union official believes it is likely that new COVID-19 variants detected abroad could already be here in The Bahamas.
Grand Bahama residents looking forward to jab
WITH the COVID-19 vaccination campaign expected to begin in Grand Bahama on Monday, many residents appear ready to take the shot when it becomes available.
Consumer debt to challenge FINCO
A major mortgage lender has warned it will be increasingly challenged to grow its loan book because COVID-19 has “compounded” the strain for Bahamians already highly leveraged on consumer debt.
Fears Abaco restrictions could be extended
THE recent spike of positive cases on Abaco has left some residents concerned the island’s restrictions could be extended, further impacting post-Hurricane Dorian recovery efforts.
43-YEAR-OLD WOMAN DIES FROM COVID-19
THE country’s COVID-19 death toll has increased to 182 after the death of a 43-year-old woman was reclassified as coronavirus related on Friday.
KFC Nassau operators to lay off 35 team members
AN unprecedented economic slowdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as reduced operating hours brought on by the government-imposed curfew have forced the management of Restaurants Bahamas Limited, operators of KFC Nassau, to lay off 35 team members.
Auditor General set to probe COVID spending
The government has pledged that the Auditor-General will probe all COVID-19 related spending and revenue losses in bid to uncover any “irregularities”, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) revealed.
COVID powers extension boost for labour market
The Chamber of Commerce’s labour specialist yesterday hailed the Government’s move to extend the COVID emergency powers to May 23 as easing uncertainty for thousands of workers and employers.
17 NEW COVID CASES ON SATURDAY
THE Ministry of Health confirmed 17 cases of COVID-19 on Saturday, bringing the nation’s toll to 8,127.
San Salvador residents call for more curbs as cases rise
SOME San Salvador residents are calling for more restrictive measures to curb COVID-19 spread on the small island after four additional cases were recorded there on Wednesday, pushing the island’s total to six.
First cases in San Salvador
SAN Salvador residents are on alert after the tiny island recorded its first two cases of COVID-19 over the weekend.
Travel relaxation is 'breath of fresh air'
Bahamian aviation operators yesterday hailed then Government's decision to relax COVID-19 inter-island travel restrictions for Christmas as "a breath of fresh air" for the hard-hit sector.
Hotel union welcomes indoor dining
A HOTEL union official yesterday praised the government’s decision to resume indoor dining for hotels, saying the move allows for more industry workers to return to work.
Cays fears over who will carry out tests
WITH no COVID-19 testing facilities yet identified for several Abaco cays, many residents there are expressing concern about travellers’ ability to meet the five-day antigen testing deadline.
Closed until restrictions over
A POPULAR West Bay Street cocktail bar and coffee shop announced yesterday its decision to cease operations until the government eases COVID-19 restrictions.
Arrival COVID test would have 'cost us competitive advantage'
Resorts on some Family Islands had feared "losing a competitive advantage" had the COVID-19 'upon arrival' test remained in place, a senior Ministry of Tourism official revealed yesterday.
Tourists told miss a test, get a fine
A TRAVELLER who fails to undergo a COVID-19 rapid antigen test on the fifth day of their stay in the country will be liable to a $1,000 fine or one month in prison.
24 cases of COVID-19 and two deaths on Sunday
THE Ministry of Health recorded 24 new cases of COVID-19 on Sunday along with two additional deaths.
Doctor’s concern over rethink on rapid testing
A SENIOR physician yesterday raised concerns about the reversal of protocol for antigen testing on arrival in the country, saying the relaxed measures have many loopholes that could potentially lead to negative consequences for the country.
Retailer 'can't afford to take risks blindly' after 80% sales fall
A Bahamian retailer has warned he and others "cannot afford to take blind risks any more" due to the Government's handling of COVID-19, with curb-side restrictions slashing his sales by 80 percent.
PLP hits back on free testing
THE Progressive Liberal Party has hit out at Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis for his response to questions about calls for free COVID-19 testing.
Official doesn’t believe there is a Spanish Wells outbreak
AMID reports of rising COVID-19 infections on Spanish Wells, one community official said while there have been several cases recently reported for the island, he does not believe there is an outbreak.
Hotel workers say govt ‘not checking’ for them
HOTEL workers are feeling hopeless with mounting bills, little hope and a government, they feel, is “not checking” for them, several of them told The Tribune yesterday.
Bahamas ranked low on response
THE Bahamas is ranked 182 out of 184 countries in the COVID-19 recovery index, according to one Global COVID-19 Index (GCI).
INSIGHT: When lockdown comes, COVID takes a toll on mental health in the home
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, The Family: People Helping People Project - financed through a grant from the Templeton World Charity Foundation - met with over 300 participants in weekly supportive group therapy. These groups met in various locations including The Bahamas Department of Corrections, Kemp Road, East Street etc.
INSIGHT: Forget Halloween, is November 1 the day we should be really scared of?
JUST a mere six days from now, we will be taking our second crack at reopening the tourism sector. Here it is, COVID-19 cases are surging with no flattening of the curve in sight, despite the reinstitution of stricter containment measures.
Teacher tests positive at school in Grand Bahama
BAHAMAS Union of Teachers President Belinda Wilson said that the union is closely monitoring the situation at the Freeport Primary School in Grand Bahama after a teacher there tested positive for COVID-19.
Relative of infected police officer hits out at lack of contact tracing
A RELATIVE of a COVID-19 positive police officer has claimed officials have not done any contact tracing or checked on members of his household for possible infection spread.
PAHO: Testing the best way
THE Pan American Health Organisation says testing is the best way to slow the spread of COVID-19 and countries in the region should take that route.
Ministry: Some staff may work remotely
DIRECTOR of Education Marcellus Taylor said the Ministry of Education has a protocol in place to allow some staff to work remotely where possible in view of COVID-19 concerns, but stressed this is not feasible for every position.
Road Traffic closed after COVID case
THE Road Traffic Department’s national stadium location will be closed today and Monday to allow for cleaning and sanitising after exposure to a COVID-19 case.
28 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, one additional death
THE Ministry of Health said 28 additional cases of COVID-19 were confirmed on Tuesday while another person died from the disease.
Friday a 'hot mess' for funeral industry
The Bahamas Funeral Directors Association's (BFDA) president yesterday branded last Friday a "hot mess" after the latest COVID-19 restrictions forced families to rush forward their loved one's burial.
BROADCASTING HQ SHUTS AGAIN FOR CLEANING
THE Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas’ headquarters at Harcourt “Rusty” Bethel Drive was closed yesterday for cleaning and sanitisation after another staff member tested positive for COVID-19.
COVID limits show need for Freeport cancer centre
THE inability of cancer patients to receive oncology care during the COVID-19 pandemic due to travel restrictions and the lockdown has highlighted the urgent need again for an oncology centre in Freeport.
Ministers clear of COVID-19
ALL government ministers who were directly exposed to Environment Minister Romauld Ferreira on September 29 have tested negative for COVID-19.
For some of us, this is going to be game over
ONE local gym owner says he doubts his business will recover after Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis announced in Parliament that gyms will have to once again have to close their doors due to new COVID-19 restrictions.
Abaco lockdown ‘would hinder Dorian recovery’
ABACO residents say they will not support another full lockdown for the island to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 as more restrictive measures would hinder Hurricane Dorian restoration efforts and negatively impact the island’s economy.
Chamber urges 'balanced' plan on COVID spike
The Chamber of Commerce's chairman yesterday called for a "balanced" approach to addressing New Providence's COVID-19 surge that addressed both health and economic concerns.
Tourism 'game changer' through quarantine end
Tourism operators last night hailed the elimination of the mandatory 14-day quarantine for visitors as "a game changer" that may help the industry escape a "bleak" winter 2020 season.
Man claims employer won’t let him work after he completed quarantine
A MAN who has been cleared by the Ministry of Health to leave quarantine after contracting COVID-19 on his job says his livelihood is being threatened because his employer will not allow him to return to work.
Tourism operators back quarantine replacement
Hotel and marina operators yesterday urged that more rapid COVID-19 testing and health cards replace the mandatory 14-day quarantine that is “hampering business” for the tourism industry.
Two students test positive at Windsor
TWO high school students at Windsor School in Albany have tested positive for COVID-19, officials confirmed to The Tribune yesterday.
Positive case at BIS
THE offices of Bahamas Information Services have been closed to the public for three days after an employee tested positive for COVID-19.
Schooner Bay security staff reportedly suffer infections
THERE are reportedly four confirmed cases of the COVID-19 virus in the security department of the high-end gated community of Schooner Bay in Abaco, including the head of security, and another case on a construction site, according to residents.
Vouchers to help nursing students
THE Nurses’ Association of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas distributed grocery vouchers to some 35 nursing students yesterday, who have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Island House confirms staff member positive
MANAGEMENT of Shima at The Island House has confirmed that in recent weeks a staff member tested posted for COVID-19, but proper protocols were followed and continue to be adhered to.
No Back to School bonanza for retailers amid pandemic
ONE retailer has estimated back-to-school sales have fallen by 75 percent compared with last year, however several people in the sector are hopeful business will pick up in the coming weeks.
Out Island resorts eye COVID testing savings
Family Island hotels are exploring how they can "pool resources" to substantially lower the costs associated with testing staff, vendors and suppliers regularly for COVID-19.
Proposed work visa not a 'needle mover'
A Bahamian economist yesterday warned the Economic Recovery Committee's proposed work visa is not a sufficient "needle mover" to replace $1.7bn to $2bn in tourism earnings lost to COVID-19.
Health experts warn of rise in suicide risk during pandemic
THE Pan American Health Organisation has warned that the COVID-19 pandemic may exacerbate suicide risk factors, urging people to speak about the issue in an open and responsible manner, remain connected even during physical distancing, and learn to identify warning signs to prevent it.
Tourism 'dress rehearsal' key to avoiding disaster
The Bahamas must get its COVID-19 "dress rehearsal" right otherwise it will "sacrifice" next year's peak winter season and create a tourism "disaster", a top executive has warned.
Family Islands want COVID details
FAMILY Island residents say they want more data from health officials to determine what type of transmission is happening in their communities causing COVID-19 cases to rise.Their comments come after health officials released Wednesday’s COVID-19 dat
Ministry cleaning
THE Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources has closed its headquarters for deep cleaning and sanitisation after an employee tested positive for COVID-19. The office closed yesterday morning and will remain closed until Thursday, September 17 a
Change on inter-island tests
AN amended Emergency Powers Order has removed the requirement for a negative COVID-19 test prior to inter-island travel except when traveling from and between Grand Bahama and New Providence. The order, released on Friday, states that anyone who wis
Local businesses optimistic despite slow return
Local business owners have shared business was slow but expected to pick up after the first day of reopening yesterday following the additional one month COVID-19 shutdown.
Spas, gyms and outdoor exercise still prohibited
While the Bahamas Government is slowly opening up the economy in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, spas, gyms and outdoor exercise groups are still on the prohibited list.
Bills rack up but gyms stay closed
One gym owner has racked up expenses totalling $50,000 that are due in September as he laments his sector not being allowed to reopen on August 31.
Relatives waiting for test results
RELATIVES of a police reservist are awaiting the results of the woman’s COVID-19 test to determine if she had the disease when she died.
Nurse 'had to pay for private COVID test'
A NURSE at the Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre who has COVID-19 says she had to pay $224 for testing at a private facility after waiting since August 10 for her results at the South Beach Clinic.
Two-year risk to nation's credit
Downside risk to the country’s credit profile will remain for the next two years, ratings agency Moody’s warns as it keeps the country’s sovereign credit rating to Ba2 with a negative outlook.
Curfew implemented on Acklins and Crooked Island
A CURFEW has been implemented on Acklins and Crooked Island with immediate effect after a COVID-19 case was confirmed on Acklins and officials launched investigations into seven suspected cases between the two islands.
Doctor calling for more COVID testing on Grand Bahama
A GRAND Bahama doctor is calling on health officials to expand COVID-19 testing capabilities to the island.
COVID's open/close cycle just 'too taxing'
A major Bahamian insurer yesterday said its office will function with a "skeleton crew" despite being granted permission to return because the COVID-19 opening/closing cycle is simply "too taxing".
Frustration begins to show in Grand Bahama
Going into the fifth consecutive week of lockdowns in Grand Bahama, some residents are feeling a bit frustrated while others believe it is for the protection of all. One Grand Bahama resident agrees the extended lockdowns are not comfortable, but th
Police call for patience amid 311 hotline complaints
AMID complaints that the 311 hotline is not being answered, police officials are urging the Bahamian public to be patient as they wait to receive assistance from the Royal Bahamas Police Force’s COVID-19 command centre.
Virus-free islands happy after curfew lifted
RESIDENTS of islands that have remained COVID-19 free are happy to know they can once again move around as curfew has been lifted on certain islands.
Wards temporarily relocated at Rand Memorial
The “increasing demand” for resources to facilitate COVID-19 health care and ongoing construction at Rand Memorial Hospital has resulted in the temporary relocation of the medical and surgical wards outside of the public health institution.
Further lockdowns ‘point of no return’
Any further blanket COVID-19 lockdown could push the Bahamian economy past “the point of no return” and cause “irreparable damage” lasting for years, an accountant warned yesterday.
Ministry of Works closed after COVID-19 exposure
The Ministry of Works has been closed after exposure to COVID-19.
North and Central Abaco Administrator and staff in quarantine
NORTH and Central Abaco Administrator Terrece Bootle-Laing and around ten staff members are in quarantine after being exposed to COVID-19 earlier this week.
Foreign investment flows slump by 33%
Foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows into the Bahamian economy fell by one-third in 2019, it has been revealed, signalling it is unlikely to fill the COVID-19 foreign currency vacuum left by tourism. The just-released World Investment Report 2020
If you catch the virus - don’t panic
A Grand Bahama resident who has COVID-19 but did not experience any of the severe symptoms associated with the disease, says people should not panic if they too test positive because it is not “a death sentence”.
Family Guardian closes office after employee has COVID-19
FAMILY Guardian Insurance Company announced that their Carmichael office is closed to the public until further notice after an employee tested positive for COVID-19.
Senior exec at Albany contracts COVID-19
A SENIOR executive at the Albany resort has contracted COVID-19, The Tribune has learned. According to a well-placed Tribune source, the senior executive contracted the deadly virus from a Peruvian nanny who was taking care of his and another person
Dairy Queen mall store closed after employee tests positive for COVD-19
DAIRY Queen (Bahamas) announced its mall store was closed on Friday after an employee from that store tested positive for COVID-19.
Senior Exuma executive goes into self-isolation
EXUMA Administrator Preston Cunningham is in isolation after coming into contact with one of the COVID-19 cases on the island, local MP Chester Cooper said yesterday. Mr Cooper, MP for Exuma and Ragged Island, also said while Mr Cunningham had teste
‘Taxes will increase to cover debt’
A leading Bahamian banker has warned that taxes will "increase significantly" to pay for the Government's COVID-19 spending, leaving individuals and businesses left with less money "for quite a while".
One in four need food assistance
ONE in four people in The Bahamas are receiving food assistance in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the National Food Distribution Task Force.
Getaway turns to regret as 79-year-old infected
A FUN getaway to Moore’s Island for the Independence holiday weekend is now a regret for Valencia Francis after the Berry Islands resident contracted COVID-19 and subsequently infected her 79-year-old mother. The annual event she attended became a b
Police warn on selling alcohol during GB lockdown
ASSISTANT Commissioner of Police Ashton Greenslade warned that the selling of alcohol at bars and private residences during the COVID-19 lockdown is not permitted. People who break the rules will be arrested and prosecuted.
'I'm extremely upset by these foolish decisions'
AS COVID-19 infections soar in Grand Bahama, some residents are blaming Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis for reopening the borders too soon.
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