NASSAU, BAHAMAS — There will be free COVID testing offered next week on Exuma as the island has seen a sharp increase in cases over the past few days.
The testing will be available on November 17 and November 18 at the St. Andrew Community Center in Georgetown, Exuma, and is being supported by Exumas and Ragged Island MP Chester Cooper’s #TEAMCooper campaign.
Di-Ara Comprehensive Medical Center will be handling the test results, and indicated that confidentially will be assured.
The announcement comes just one day after the prime minister implemented new emergency measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 on Exuma.
As he announced a 24-hour weekend curfew and the restriction of all domestic travel from the island, he urged residents to adhere to the measures to mitigate the “exponential spread” of the virus.
The island confirmed 19 cases on Tuesday. As of Wednesday, there were 79 cases of COVID-19 on Exuma.
Of that number, 28 cases are active and two are hospitalized.
The prime minister said health officials have observed an exponential increase on Exuma following the October holiday weekend and two major events.
Domestic travel by air or sea vessels has been prohibited to and from Exuma, except for exemptions provided in the emergency orders and approved by officials.
Anyone traveling from Exuma to any other island in The Bahamas will be required to have a negative COVID RT-PCR test result.
The Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) has continued to call on the government to implement free COVID-19 testing throughout the country. The prime minister has said the PLP is living in “Alice in Wonderland” with the suggestion.
