NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Minister of National Security Marvin Dames said yesterday that heads of the various law enforcement divisions including the police force, defense force and corrections ought to be commended for avoiding an “massive outbreak” in these institutions amid soaring cases of the coronavirus in The Bahamas.
As of yesterday, there were nine active cases among police officers.
The force has recorded 102 cases among its complement of over 4,000 officers.
The defense force has been impacted by 11 cases amongst its marines.
However, the majority of a batch of new 56 recruits undergoing basic training tested positive for the virus, and were said to be asymptomatic.
The recruits were expected to graduate last week Friday.
While seven prison officers have tested positive and another 45 were in quarantine, no inmate has tested positive for the virus and the prison remains COVID free, according to officials.
This is in contrast to prisons in other jurisdictions such as the United States.
Despite early release measures and sharp drops in new admissions from state to state, prisons have been the source of some major outbreaks.
Yesterday, Dames said the extra measures have been taken to mitigate the spread among institutions whose workers remain on the frontlines of the fight against COVID.
“I am pleased and I can only commend them for the work that they are doing,” he said.
“This is not easy because you know, a police officer, a correctional officer, a marine, all have to go home at the end of the day and all have to go into the communities at the end of the day.
“It is a very delicate balance, but I commend them for the work they continue to do.
“And the fact [that] they have been able to avoid a massive outbreak within their respective agencies.”
Cases of the virus continue to lead across the majority of islands in The Bahamas.
Total COVID-19 cases stood at 2,386 on Thursday.
In the interest of the economy, a wide range of business and services, including schools and restaurants have been opened with restrictions.
Dames discouraged “reckless, and selfish behavior” among the public, reminding residents that in order to “win out” against the virus, there must be a collective effort toward compliance with the orders.
He indicated resident should consider themselves and others, including relatives and frontline workers, who continue to risk themselves and their families.
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