NASSAU, Bahamas -- The Ministry of Health has recognized that a number of persons in quarantine and isolation were reported to not be staying at home as prescribed, Minister of Health Dr. the Hon. Duane Sands stated.

“We are working with our partners in law enforcement and the information technology agencies to find solutions to further monitor compliance,” Dr. Sands said during the COVID-19 update press conference at the Ministry of Health, Thursday, April 30, 2020.

He stressed that this is a matter of concern.

“As you are aware, the latest Emergency Orders focused, in part, on the movement of those directed to quarantine and isolation.

“Going forward, people violating quarantine protocols could face up a $20,000 fine or up to five years imprisonment, or both.”

Dr. Sands also noted that at the COVID-19 update press conference on April 23, 2020, he advised the public that the Ministry of Health would expand testing to include:

• healthcare workers;
• caregivers; and
• those in vulnerable population groups.

He said On Saturday, April 25, 2020, a swab testing exercise was conducted for healthcare workers who may have been exposed at the Male Surgical Ward at Princess Margaret Hospital, and the Robert Smith Unit of Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre.

Dr. Sands explained that approximately 225 and swabs were taken that day from healthcare workers and the test results are in.

“Of the healthcare workers potentially exposed to COVID-19 patients at the Male Surgical Ward and the Robert Smith Unit, only one has tested positive to date.

“The case is currently in isolation at home.  Aggressive contact tracing has begun.”

He also announced that along with these healthcare workers, the Ministry has been concerned about the island of Bimini.

“After reporting five cases of COVID-19 on April 25, 2020, Bimini is considered a hotspot. A surveillance team was sent to the island. The team’s objectives are to:

• meet with medical personnel to get an overview of COVID-19 activities;
• identify contacts of the COVID-19 confirmed cases;
• assess the identified isolation facility;
• conduct a walkabout to determine the potential level of infection and control strategies in place;
• enforce infection and control strategies;
• host a town hall meeting via Zoom on Friday; and
• to perform tests on contacts of confirmed cases on the island.

Dr. Sands said, “When our testing is concluded we will be able to provide you with our full assessment of Bimini, and the various mitigation measures taken to limit the spread of the virus.”