The Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation is making preparation for the  full opening of its Head Office and Commercial Entities as the government is giving permission for businesses to operate in a more liberalized commercial environment on New Providence and the Family Islands as the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

BAIC with the assistance of the Department of Environment Health will be testing the air quality for mould spurs and allergens in heavily trafficked areas of the Corporation, to ensure that the environment is safe for staff to return to work on a regular basis.

Public Analyst at the Department of Environmental Health Mr. Anthony Ryan was on site at BAIC on Thursday, August 27, to advise management on the procedures and requirements for testing of air quality and protocols for re-opening of business for the safety and protection of staff during this COVID-19 pandemic.Samples will be taken on days when offices are occupied regularly to ensure that the instrument takes in same air as the employees. Further details on COVID-19 protocols for re-opening of BAIC will be provided by the Director Environment Health Ms. Melanie McKenzie during a Zoom meeting which is set for 10am on Friday, August 28, 2020.

Mr. Ryan said the test would be conducted by a private sector company to collect samples of the air quality for mould spurs which would be sent to a company in the United States for interpretation to determine the level of mould in the environment and to get a Mould Analysis Certification. The testing will be regulated by the Department of Environmental Health.

BAIC’s General Manager Mr. Rocky Nesbitt said action on this matter will be taken immediately. “The Facilities Department will identify key areas to be tested and samples will be analyzed in the United States to ensure that staff are aware that the areas are safe. If there are any issues we will remediate them immediately,” he said.

Management at BAIC has been advised to ensure that all staff wear their mask, sanitize their hands, practice social distancing and discourage staff from congregating in areas like the kitchen or cafeteria.