Free testing begins in Inagua

ABOUT 100 people got free COVID-19 tests in Inagua yesterday after the government launched the pilot phase of its promised free testing programme.

“Inagua was selected as the launch site because of a recent outbreak of the virus after the election campaign, which sadly resulted in the deaths of several people,” a statement from the Office of the Prime Minister said.

“In line with its COVID action plan, the government also provided residents with medical-grade masks, free of charge. A mobile team is in place on the ground to ensure that all residents have access to the new programme.

According to the statement, residents expressed relief in being able to know their status, giving the programme a thumbs-up.

Health and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville said: “Back in July and August, the country was experiencing the worst spike in COVID cases and deaths so far seen in our country.

“Bahamians were also extremely anxious about the images of a healthcare system in a state of neglect and collapse. Free testing is a key component in our government’s new approach, which will start to give a more accurate picture of the true state of the pandemic in The Bahamas.”

This comes as the Ministry of Health reported 44 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the nation’s overall tally to 22,092.

Six hundred and twenty-six people have died from the disease.

Comments

JokeyJack says...

Keep on testing until you find the flu. Genius.

Posted 21 October 2021, 8:30 p.m. Suggest removal

realfreethinker says...

Another bait and switch by government. They are only doing rapid antigen tests so how does that help. Another public relations gimmick

Posted 21 October 2021, 11:14 p.m. Suggest removal

rosiepi says...

So its great they're doing the testing but if any tests are positive they will not be added to the "official"case numbers.
So take the number of deaths and cases, double, triple them and you'll still come up short.

Posted 23 October 2021, 1:09 p.m. Suggest removal

TigerB says...

I hope it last forever, but we will see. Just cant figure out why a small little populated family island as opposed to Nassau with a greater population.

Posted 22 October 2021, 6:42 a.m. Suggest removal

tribanon says...

I guess you haven't heard any of the horror stories coming out of Haiti about the extremely contagious and deadly "Haitian Variant" of the Wuhan Virus. The Delta Variant is a joke compared to the Haitian Variant and is the reason why all of our testing must be focussed on our southern most islands. LOL

Posted 22 October 2021, 9:02 a.m. Suggest removal

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