joeblow, the world is shutting down. What can we do about it? Nothing except act responsible to those around us.

Agreed. Seems many, if not most, Nasuvians are unaware of what goes on beyond the borders of the capital.

How many respirators?
It must be an easily attainable number, yes/no?

Thinking the same.

Hopefully, the price of oil will remain low enough, long enough to shut this operation down forever. It will spare The Bahamas another disaster we certainly don't need.

Sorry. Disagree. We have too many praying and not enough thinking. Sometimes they are mutually exclusive. Like now.

Do the Family Islands have test kits?
Do we put people suspected on a flight to Nassau?

repost
Dr. Sands is completely wrong in his prediction. There is nobody on earth who has immunity to this disease. He has no basis for this irresponsible remark when epidemiology experts are saying populations could experience up to 80% of their populations contracting it. He should be focused on informing us exactly how many respirators exist in the entire country and preparing the ground for many cases. We already know that PMH is woefully unprepared for this situation. Under the best of circumstances, we have people in gurneys in the halls. Our shortsightedness in allowing a chronic shortage of nurses, facilities, and medicines will assure that we will have the greatest number of casualties due to lack of available medical care. Most people with this virus, given the proper health support, will survive. Most of the thousands of deaths now being recorded are due to lack of available hospital services and the health condition of the elderly. Our health care system must also continue the ongoing and regular hospital services needed by our population, in general. This is a catastrophe in the making and the government of The Bahamas must institute measures such as closing all schools and public gatherings to minimize the outbreak numbers such that our limited medical facilities at PMH and Doctor's Hospital are not overwhelmed. The time for action has already passed. Why are we still waffling? Sands, get a grip and take significant preventative measures. Older people must not go out. Close the schools. Discourage public gatherings. Close ports of entry. Inform the public of the number and amounts of critical medical resources this country has available. Perhaps we need to consult with "experts" outside our country for advice.

Thanks for the highly scientific medical update.

Unfortunately, you are right.
Especially now that they are saying it IS being transmitted by people with no symptoms.