Two more COVID deaths, 62 new cases

Two more COVID deaths, 62 new cases
Ministry of Health dashboard for August 22.

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Ministry of Health yesterday reported two additional COVID-19 deaths alongside 62 new confirmed cases.

This brings the total number of COVID-19 deaths in the country to 29, and the total number of cases to 1,765.

The ministry’s August 22 dashboard was released early Sunday morning, shortly before 1am.

The new deaths are two women from New Providence aged 45 and 65-years-old.

According to the ministry, the 45-year-old woman passed away on Friday night, while the 63-year-old died early Saturday morning.

Among the new cases, there were 28 in New Providence, 4 in Grand Bahama, seven in Abaco, six in Bimini, four in Acklins, two each in Exuma and Crooked Island, and one case in Inagua.

There are eight cases pending.

According to the dashboard, there were six additional recoveries, and six more people admitted to hospital.

As of yesterday, there were 1,041 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in New Providence, 538 in Grand Bahama, 52 in Abaco, 51 in Bimini, 15 in the Berry Islands, eight in Cat Island, eight in Exuma, five each in Inagua, Eleuthera, and Acklins, two in Crooked Island, one in Andros, and 34 confirmed cases with locations pending.

Yesterday, the Department of Inland Revenue (DIR) temporarily closed its Exuma office for deep cleaning and sanitizing after a staff member tested positive for COVID-19.

In a statement, the department reminded business owners that access to services are still readily available online and through its Customer Service Call Center.

The department said it implemented its COVID-19 response plan on Friday when the positive result was reported.

The Ministry of Health Surveillance Unit was contacted to initiate an assessment and contact tracing and all national COVID-19 protocols are reportedly being followed.

“Our prayers are with the entire staff body and the people of Exuma, who we continue to serve remotely,” said Gaynell Rolle, Acting Controller of Inland Revenue.

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.