The Big Story – EyeWitness News

LocalApril 4, 2020 at 10:15 pm Sloan Smith

Local

EMS workers back to work after COVID-19 safety protest

Health Minister commits to $5,000 honorarium NASSAU, BAHAMAS – A number of National Emergency Medical Services (NEMS) workers staged a sick-out over safety concerns but have since returned to work. In a statement, the Public Hospitals Authority confirmed the essential workers withdrew their services at midnight Friday. NEMS leadership and the Bahamas Public Services Union […]

Health Minister commits to $5,000 honorarium NASSAU, BAHAMAS – A number of National Emergency Medical Services (NEMS) workers staged a... read more »

April 4, 2020 at 10:15 pm | Sloan Smith

CoronavirusApril 4, 2020 at 6:36 pm Eyewitness News 2

Coronavirus

Four more COVID-19 cases, Ministry confirms another COVID-19 related death

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Ministry of Health has confirmed four more cases of COVID-19 in the country. In an updated dashboard released today, the ministry stated there are a total number of 28 confirmed cases, and four COVID-19 related deaths. The latest COVID-19 related death is an 80-year-old Grand Bahama man. The 25th confirmed case […]

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Ministry of Health has confirmed four more cases of COVID-19 in the country. In an updated... read more »

April 4, 2020 at 6:36 pm | Eyewitness News | 2

Breaking NewsApril 4, 2020 at 2:36 pm Eyewitness News

Breaking News

Officials investigate suspected COVID-19 related GB death

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Two days after officials confirmed he had tested positive for COVID-19, an 80-year-old man has died in Grand Bahama. Relatives told Eyewitness News 80-year-old Eight Mile Rock resident Clarence Bartlett, known as “C A”, passed away overnight. He was confirmed as a positive case on April 2. When contacted, Deputy Chief Medical […]

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Two days after officials confirmed he had tested positive for COVID-19, an 80-year-old man has died in... read more »

April 4, 2020 at 2:36 pm | Eyewitness News

CoronavirusApril 4, 2020 at 12:34 pm Sloan Smith

Coronavirus

WhatsApp line created for COVID19 command center: TEXT 1 242 806-6852

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Police have added a WhatsApp line to its COVID-19 command center after many people were unable able to get through to due to the high volume of calls. In its daily report today, police advised that the WhatsApp number 1 242 806-6852 is only to be used for text messages. The 311 […]

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Police have added a WhatsApp line to its COVID-19 command center after many people were unable able... read more »

April 4, 2020 at 12:34 pm | Sloan Smith

CoronavirusApril 3, 2020 at 5:32 pm Royston Jones Jr. 3

Coronavirus

Complete lockdown until April 6.

PM urges Bahamians to follow orders as two more die NASSAU, BAHAMAS — In an unprecedented move, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis announced today a complete shutdown of all business in The Bahamas beginning tonight at 8 pm until 5 am on April 6, in an effort to curb the “surge” of COVID-19 cases gripping […]

PM urges Bahamians to follow orders as two more die NASSAU, BAHAMAS — In an unprecedented move, Prime Minister Dr... read more »

April 3, 2020 at 5:32 pm | Royston Jones Jr. | 3

LocalApril 3, 2020 at 10:00 am Sloan Smith

Local

Samaritan’s Purse still aiding country but no longer managing field hospital in GB

NASSAU, BAHAMS – While several international NGOs have returned to their home country amidst the coronavirus pandemic, the few that remain, including Samaritan’s Purse continue to provide aid post Hurricane Dorian and are assisting with COVID-19 response. In the aftermath of the deadly storm, several international organizations, including Samaritan’s Purse, Humanitarian Aid and Rescue Project […]

NASSAU, BAHAMS – While several international NGOs have returned to their home country amidst the coronavirus pandemic, the few that... read more »

April 3, 2020 at 10:00 am | Sloan Smith

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CoronavirusApril 3, 2020 at 8:22 am Ava Turnquest

Coronavirus

Doctors Hospital shutdown for deep cleaning after COVID-19 exposure

Family confirms death of dialysis patient yesterday NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Doctors Hospital has closed its Collins Ave facility to the public and non-essential staff as officials undertake advanced cleaning of its operating rooms and Intensive Care Unit. Relatives have confirmed a 79-year-old dialysis patient, whom they claimed had COVID-19, died at the facility yesterday; however, […]

Family confirms death of dialysis patient yesterday NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Doctors Hospital has closed its Collins Ave facility to the... read more »

April 3, 2020 at 8:22 am | Ava Turnquest

LocalApril 3, 2020 at 6:45 am Royston Jones Jr.

Local

PMH facing blood shortage “crisis”

PHA urges the public to donate blood to shore up supplies RBDF to have blood drive Friday between 10am-3pm NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) has made an “urgent” appeal for blood as Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) faces a blood shortage “crisis”. A source close to the matter told Eyewitness News that blood […]

PHA urges the public to donate blood to shore up supplies RBDF to have blood drive Friday between 10am-3pm NASSAU,... read more »

April 3, 2020 at 6:45 am | Royston Jones Jr.

CoronavirusApril 3, 2020 at 6:10 am Royston Jones Jr.

Coronavirus

BNU: 10 percent of nurses without insurance

Williams calls on govt. to appoint six more nurses on COVID-19 frontlines NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Approximately 10 percent of nurses do not have medical insurance, a grave concern for the bargaining unit that represents these healthcare providers on the frontline of the COVID-19 fight. According to Bahamas Nurses Union (BNU) President Amancha Williams, another six […]

Williams calls on govt. to appoint six more nurses on COVID-19 frontlines NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Approximately 10 percent of nurses... read more »

April 3, 2020 at 6:10 am | Royston Jones Jr.

CoronavirusApril 3, 2020 at 5:38 am Sloan Smith

Coronavirus

Wells: No capacity to deal with a massive influx of foreign patients

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – While The Bahamas is able to provide some assistance to flag-ship vessels sequestered at sea during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Transport minister Renward Wells said the country does not have the capacity to take in critically-ill passengers or crew. The swift spread of COVID-19 and the World Health Organization’s classification of a […]

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – While The Bahamas is able to provide some assistance to flag-ship vessels sequestered at sea during the... read more »

April 3, 2020 at 5:38 am | Sloan Smith

CoronavirusApril 2, 2020 at 6:56 pm Royston Jones Jr.

Coronavirus

Three more cases of COVID-19 — among them a nine-year-old girl

72-year-old COVID-19 patient in intensive care NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Health officials have confirmed two more positive COVID-19 cases in New Providence, and another in Grand Bahama. A nine-year-old girl has tested positive for the virus in Grand Bahama, and is the country’s latest case. In a statement, the Ministry of Health said the girl had […]

72-year-old COVID-19 patient in intensive care NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Health officials have confirmed two more positive COVID-19 cases in New... read more »

April 2, 2020 at 6:56 pm | Royston Jones Jr.

LocalApril 2, 2020 at 12:12 pm Sloan Smith 1

Local

Fake voice note sends scores to Salvation Army

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The Salvation Army’s social assistance program has been temporarily suspended after a fake voice note drove scores of people to its Mackey Street headquarters this morning. A Salvation Army spokesperson told Eyewitness News the voice note claimed the organization was distributing food assistance for unemployed hotel workers. As a result, an influx of […]

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The Salvation Army’s social assistance program has been temporarily suspended after a fake voice note drove scores... read more »

April 2, 2020 at 12:12 pm | Sloan Smith | 1

CoronavirusApril 2, 2020 at 12:02 pm Royston Jones Jr.

Coronavirus

Abaco seeking to get COVID-19 test kits on island, says MP

Albury says island may have small advantage in experiencing limited touristic traffic for months NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Central and South Abaco MP James Albury yesterday said officials are actively working to increase health capacity, and the island’s ability to manage a potential Coronavirus (COVID-19) case.For now, samples of a patient exhibiting symptoms at this time […]

Albury says island may have small advantage in experiencing limited touristic traffic for months NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Central and South... read more »

April 2, 2020 at 12:02 pm | Royston Jones Jr.

CoronavirusApril 2, 2020 at 3:50 am Royston Jones Jr. 1

Coronavirus

PM calls on all available healthcare workers, volunteers to join COVID-19 fight

Fifty-nurses out of healthcare system in quarantine NASSAU, BAHAMAS — With some 50 nurses in quarantine due to potential exposure, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday called on all available medical professionals to help the government in the fight against COVID-19. The United Nations has designated the pandemic as the greatest global crisis since World […]

Fifty-nurses out of healthcare system in quarantine NASSAU, BAHAMAS — With some 50 nurses in quarantine due to potential exposure,... read more »

April 2, 2020 at 3:50 am | Royston Jones Jr. | 1

CoronavirusApril 2, 2020 at 3:49 am Royston Jones Jr.

Coronavirus

Bahamas Pharmacy Council sets strict guidelines over use of malaria drug to treat COVID-19

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Bahamas Pharmacy Council said yesterday it has observed and reviewed increased reports of prescription drugs being issued for prophylactic purposes in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These included, hydroxycholoroquine, chloroquine, and azithromycin. Hydroxycholoroquine is used to prevent or treat malaria infections, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. The drug, which has been used […]

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Bahamas Pharmacy Council said yesterday it has observed and reviewed increased reports of prescription drugs being... read more »

April 2, 2020 at 3:49 am | Royston Jones Jr.

BusinessApril 2, 2020 at 3:48 am Sloan Smith 1

Business

PM foreshadows generational changes to economy

Minnis signals shift from tourism industry WHO calls for debt relief from World Bank and IMF NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday signaled a shift in the country’s reliance on tourism, insisting that worldwide border closures has forced The Bahamas to change how it operates. During a press briefing, the prime minister […]

Minnis signals shift from tourism industry WHO calls for debt relief from World Bank and IMF NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Prime... read more »

April 2, 2020 at 3:48 am | Sloan Smith | 1

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CoronavirusApril 2, 2020 at 3:47 am Sloan Smith

Coronavirus

Berry Islands begin COVID19 testing, as North Andros health facility prepares for possible cases

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – North Andros health facilities have been braced for possible coronavirus cases, said the island’s administrator Joseph Ferguson yesterday. “The clinic continues to open daily and are doing their regular duties,” Ferguson said in an interview with Eyewitness News. “They’ve identified places for persons who need to be quarantined. “We’ve located two areas […]

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – North Andros health facilities have been braced for possible coronavirus cases, said the island’s administrator Joseph Ferguson... read more »

April 2, 2020 at 3:47 am | Sloan Smith

CoronavirusApril 2, 2020 at 3:46 am Royston Jones Jr.

Coronavirus

Govt. in talks with U.S. govt. over new coast guard directive

US Coast Guard tells cruise liners: stay at sea with sick, seek evac. from flagged state first NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Bahamian government is in talks with the United States government over an advisory issued by the U. S. Coast Guard that cruise ships will be asked to seek aid from their flag state in […]

US Coast Guard tells cruise liners: stay at sea with sick, seek evac. from flagged state first NASSAU, BAHAMAS —... read more »

April 2, 2020 at 3:46 am | Royston Jones Jr.

BusinessApril 1, 2020 at 9:34 pm Natario McKenzie 1

Business

Island Luck to pay employees in full for six weeks

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Island Luck (IL) will pay employees their full salaries for six weeks, according to a statement released today. IL’s Human Resources and Training manager Shanette Rahming said the company has received approval from the National Insurance Board (NIB) to pay unemployment benefits to eligible employees on its behalf, with more 700 of […]

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Island Luck (IL) will pay employees their full salaries for six weeks, according to a statement released... read more »

April 1, 2020 at 9:34 pm | Natario McKenzie | 1

CoronavirusApril 1, 2020 at 4:12 pm Ava Turnquest 1

Coronavirus

PM: COVID-19 hot spot in eastern New Providence, six new cases confirmed

Suspected patient is confirmed positive, first COVID-19 death in country One of the new cases has a link to Grand Bahama NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis announced six new cases of COVID-19 in New Providence. Minnis said health officials have identified a hot spot in eastern New Providence. “The hot spot is […]

Suspected patient is confirmed positive, first COVID-19 death in country One of the new cases has a link to Grand... read more »

April 1, 2020 at 4:12 pm | Ava Turnquest | 1