Bahamas sources rapid-result test kits
Published:Monday | April 13, 2020 | 12:15 AM
NASSAU (CMC):
BAHAMIAN MEDICAL teams, in collaboration with the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA), have sourced and funded a supply of COVID-19 rapid test kits from a US-based company for use by Grand Bahama Health Services.
The kits are already in the country and a portion of them have been made available for use throughout the archipelago.
According to Minister of Health Dr Duane Sands, comprehensive testing is key to controlling the spread of the novel coronavirus.
He said that the kits will allow for speedier cluster tracing and identification of COVID-19 patients.
“This is obviously not our area of expertise or in our remit, but we are doing whatever we can to assist our healthcare services in the fight against COVID-19,” said Ian Rolle, president of GBPA and Port Group Ltd.
“In echoing leaders like Sands, who heads the COVID-19 response here in Grand Bahama, we have said from the beginning that success against this global pandemic will come from working together. This fight will take a citizen army of the public and private sector, working together safely, to staunch the spread of the virus,” he added.
The COVID-19 pandemic has left several Bahamian families and communities grieving due to the loss of loved ones. Eight deaths were confirmed up to yesterday.