‘Hotspot’ Bimini on Two-Week Strict Lock-down
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Prime Minister Hubert Minnis announced the lockdown of Bimini to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
Speaking for a brief 9 minutes, Dr. Minnis announced that the 2 week lockdown will commence Monday, May 18th at 9:30pm and will end Saturday May 30th at midnight.
Revealing two more COVID-19 cases on that island, Dr. Minnis said, “I am announcing today that after consultation with health and other officials, including officials on Bimini, that Bimini will be placed on a two-week lockdown in order to slow and control the community spread of the COVID-19 virus on this island.
He said this date will be extended to a total of 14 days when Parliament reconvenes.
Dr. Minnis said the measure is absolutely necessary in order to save and to protect the lives of the residents of Bimini.
“Epidemiological management of the COVID-19 outbreak in Bimini requires strict adherence to shelter in place to prevent and to control the spread, which will worsen if preventative measures are not taken quickly and adhered to,” Dr. Minnis said.
Health officials have classified Bimini as a COVID-19 hotspot as 13 cases are on that island.
Outside of New Providence, Bimini, with a population of approximately 2,000, has the largest number of recorded cases in The Bahamas.
Officials believe that the number of confirmed cases is expected to increase if much of the population fails to practice recommendations for physical distancing, wearing protective face coverings, and frequent, and thorough, hand washing, Minnis said.
Health surveillance team visited that island to assess the situation there reporting that thirty-seven people were swabbed for COVID-19 and three tested positive.
The prime minister advised residents to make the necessary preparations for the upcoming lockdown.
