NASSAU, BAHAMAS — After completing the first week of a two-week mandatory lockdown, Bimini has seen no new cases of the novel coronavirus, Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Delon Brennen confirmed yesterday.
Speaking with Eyewitness News, Brennen said there have been no known cases to develop on the island since the last two confirmed cases on May 14.
Those cases — two women aged 26 and 39 — were confirmed as Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis announced the two week-lockdown to begin on May 18.
When asked if Bimini could discontinue the lockdown given there have been no new cases on the small island, Brennen said it was the advise of health officials to complete the two-week lockdown.
He did not provide further details on the consideration.
When contacted, Triska Rolle, a member of Bimini’s local district council, said residents were encouraged and believe the measure has flattened the curve on the virus in Bimini.
“We are happy to know there are no new cases, so we should be good after this,” she said.
“I am really hoping so, and that Bimini is no longer a hotspot.
“We have to complete the two weeks to make sure; be completely sure and hopefully we should start to lift up on some thing after this.
The country’s borders have been closed since March 27.
Last week Sunday, the prime minister announced that Cat Island, Long Island, Abaco and Andros could resume commercial this week, joining Inagua, Ragged Island, Rum Cay, Mayaguana, Crooked Island, Acklins and Long Cay.
Those islands have had zero reported cases of COVID-19.
Exuma, Eleuthera, and San Salvador, which have also had zero cases of the virus have not been afforded the same easing of restrictions — much to the frustration of residents there.
In response, the prime minister said multiple islands cannot be opened simultaneously, due to the risk of a potential outbreak.
As of yesterday, there were 100 cases of the virus in The Bahamas — 78 on New Providence, 13 in Bimini, eight on Grand Bahama and one in Cat Cay.
Of those, 43 cases were active.
Six remain hospitalized.
Forty-six people infected with the virus have recovered.
There have been 11 COVID-19-related deaths in the country.
Expanding testing is ongoing, according to health officials, who announced recently that increased focus will be placed on testing healthcare professionals, individuals in resident care and inmates and the Department of Correctional Services.
To date, 1,972 people have been tested for the virus.
Globally, over 5.3 million have been infected and more than 340,000 people have died.
Meanwhile, over 2.1 million have recovered.
Your tourist population have already read the news that North Bimini is a hot spot, is ground zero for the 1st death, is so contaminated that a lockdown was imposed upon the souls of the island and they were rendered with less than adequate preparation for their rationing of food, the tourists will shun this island. Not to mention that they are intelligent to know that since there is no further testing being performed, there will not be any test results and so, of course, there will not be any positive tests.
Nope. Tourists can’t wait to return to Bimini. It is a Bahamian jewel, loved by many. Hotel bookings are looking good since the PM announced July 1st opening. Bimini will be just fine. They should test folks here for antibodies instead of the virus itself. Most have already developed an immunity. This virus has been locals and visitors alike since last November. Sad we are not educating folks on how to take care of themselves if they fall ill to the covid19. I had it and I must say it is an intense illnesses. It felt like the Dengue fever but with serious mucus congestion and coughing. Benadryl,Gin and Robitussin along with dips in the salt water to thin the mucus and you will be fine. However persons with Asthma,Heart issues, high blood pressure ( which so many Bahamaians have) and chronic lung illnesses are at a much higher risk and should protect themselves. If we pay attention to the numbers and use intelligence, not fear we will come to the conclusion that the lockdown is not necessary……..we almost free………
#BiminiBliss #ForeverBlesses