Live
Audio Only
The government is mobilizing efforts to respond to the dramatic Covid-19 case spike triggered by the Boxing Day bus crawl.
The government of Barbados has issued a rapid response to a dramatic spike in COVID-19 cases which were traced to a “super spreader” Boxing Day bus crawl.
RELATED:
Authorities have assumed that the island remains fully able to conduct mass testing and provide care and accommodation for persons who test positive for the illness, having secured a large quantity of test kits previously while having some on order, while added staff will ensure there is no backlog at the laboratory amid the increased demand.
At the time of the press conference held by Cabinet Sub-Committee Chairman and the Health Minister on Saturday, 161 people had tested positive for the coronavirus at Dodds prison, including 113 inmates and 48 officers and staff.
The number of positive COVID-19 cases arising out of a “Bus Crawl” that took place in Barbados on Boxing Day has risen to 161 - 48 are prison officers and staff while 113 are inmates. Yesterday, the figure stood at 45. pic.twitter.com/vKuT7rEBrw
— Dareece Polo (@DareeceteleSUR) January 2, 2021
Covid-19 Sub-Committee Chairman, Senator Dr. Jerome X. Walcott, J.P., indicated that a quarantine areas of the St Philip Penal institution could accommodate 100 persons and that it would be used as an isolation center within the prison. Furthermore, Dr. Walcott stated that a medical facility had been identified to be used for seriously ill persons.
The government has allocated space at the Harrison’s Point Isolation Facility, which can presently house over 200 patients, and the Government has started to explore the use of other centres, such as the Blackman and Gollop Primary School which was used in March last year.
Meanwhile, the state-owned Queen Elizabeth Hospital has also been making preparations in line with its COVID-19 response plan.
“They are making preparations on how patients were triaged at the Accident and Emergency Department and there are plans afoot in terms of shifting certain out-patients clinics to allow for greater separation of patients when they are being triaged,” Dr Walcott disclosed.
Antigua and Barbuda's Prime Minister Gaston Browne is assuring that his country will not ban travel to or from Barbados which is currently struggling with a surge in COVID-19 cases. He sent a letter to PM Mia Mottley today. pic.twitter.com/c6GUbYyxVY
— Dareece Polo (@DareeceteleSUR) January 3, 2021
In addition to those who have tested positive at the prison facility, the number of infected people has also risen among the general public, identified through contract tracing and visitors arriving to the island. Authorities continue to investigate clusters.
Tracking bracelets will be used for those ordered to quarantine beginning Wednesday. Officials will be notified if individuals attempt to remove the bracelets or if they leave their geographical location. The devices are said to be tamper-proof and water resistant.
Authorities warn that those who opt to break out of quarantine could be convicted.
Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne, has sent a letter in solidarity with Prime Minister Mottley. Browne expressed confidence in Barbadian authorities’ ability to control the situation and indicated that his country would not be prohibiting travel to and from Barbados. The PM also offered his assistance.
Newsletter
