DPM’s police aide tests positive for COVID-19

DPM’s police aide tests positive for COVID-19
This undated file photo shows a positive COVID-19 test.

Turnquest in voluntary self-quarantine

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Deputy Prime Minister K Peter Turnquest has tested negative for coronavirus after his police aide in Grand Bahama tested positive for the virus last week.

Eyewitness News can confirm the aide tested positive on Friday.

Turnquest traveled to the island on July 12-14.

He has since been tested for the virus and the result was negative, according to sources close to the matter.

The deputy prime minister declined comment on the matter when contacted.

As of yesterday, there have been 49 new cases since the country’s borders fully opened on July 1st.

Thirty-one of those new cases have been recorded on Grand Bahama.

In a later statement, the Ministry of Finance confirmed Turnquest was tested on Friday after learning he was exposed to a positive case earlier that day.

The statement added: “Out of an abundance of caution and on advice, Minister Turnquest has voluntarily entered self-quarantine. He continues to perform his functions as Minister of Finance, working remotely from home.”

About Ava Turnquest

Ava Turnquest is the head of the Digital Department at Eyewitness News. Her most notable beat coverage spans but is not limited to politics, immigration and human rights, with a focus especially on minority groups. In 2018, she was nominated by the Bahamas Press Club for “The Eric Wilmott Award for Investigative Journalism”. Ava is deeply motivated by her passion about the role of fourth estate, and uses her pen to inform, educate and sensitize the public.