The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

IN-PERSON visits to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services have been suspended until further notice because of a cluster of COVID-19 cases in Grand Bahama and New Providence.

The department announced the suspension, effective immediately, yesterday. Virtual visits will continue as scheduled so inmates can stay in contact with their families. The department called the suspension a precaution to protect the health of staff and inmates. It did not say whether any cases had been recorded at the prison.

The cluster has been linked to an Anglican church retreat held in Grand Bahama from October 8 to 11, after which 20 of the 112 people who attended tested positive for the virus.

Father Earl Hepburn, Archdeacon of the Northern Bahamas, said most of those infected were doing well.

“Most of the persons are well. They’ve almost basically finished their quarantine period,” he told The Tribune yesterday.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness said on Sunday that it was closely monitoring the cluster. The cases were confirmed through rapid testing. Fourteen of the infected people live in Grand Bahama and six in New Providence. One of the Grand Bahama residents was admitted to the Rand Memorial Hospital and is listed in stable condition.

The retreat was held at St Jude’s Anglican Church in Smith’s Point, whose rector, Marie Roach, is said to be doing well.

Fr Hepburn said the Anglican Diocese and the Bishop’s Office were aware of the situation and had released a statement. He said not every church in the diocese took part in the retreat.

Health officials urged the public to stay up to date with vaccinations, wash their hands often, use alcohol-based hand sanitiser, improve ventilation indoors and wear a well-fitting mask when appropriate. They also advised people to stay home when sick, cover coughs and sneezes, and take extra care around older relatives and others at higher risk of severe illness.