How Minnis Contradicts Wells on Breezes Use

On Wednesday in the House of Assembly, Prime Minister Hubert Minnis said the claim that SuperClubs Breezes will be used to house COVID-19 patients is “fake news.”

Minnis said he was reminding the public that the claims made are “misinformation.”

However, his comments are in stark contrast to statements by Minister of Health Renard Wells who said at the last Ministry of Health press conference that the hotel is being used to treat COVID-19 patients.

Who’s to blame for the “fake news”?

Minnis must blame Wells for the “fake news.”

Wells said at a press conference on August 28th, that the government’s response to COVID-19 is to implement more beds at facilities around the country, including 18 beds that are currently available at the 62-bed National Response Facility at the SuperClubs Breezes resort, to provide relief to the stressed bed capacity at the Princess Margaret Hospital.

He said, “Yesterday, (Thursday), the Prime Minister and I had the opportunity to tour the 62-bed facility that will be used to expand our capacity to care for COVID-19 patients, in the East Wing of Breezes.

He said patients will experience soothing oceanfront and garden views that can boost mental health.

Wells said eighteen patients can be accommodated on the first floor and 22 patient rooms each, on the second and third floors.

Each floor has a lounge for nurses and a lounge for physicians.

“Staff accommodations are on the fourth floor. This makes it possible for staff members to isolate effectively and avoid the potential risk of taking the COVID-19 virus home to their
families,” he said.

What was Wells’ tone in the House of Assembly on Wednesday?

Wells made no mention of his previous statements.

Instead, Wells said he and the Prime Minister toured the East Wing of Breezes “now repurposed to accommodate sixty-one patient care rooms for medical/surgical minimal risk patients.”

He said sixteen patients can be accommodated on the first floor with capacity for additional rooms on the second and third floors. Staff accommodations are on the fourth floor.

Why is the government housing patients at a hotel?

Officials said the facility gives much-needed relief to the stressed bed capacity at PMH, which is limited due to the pandemic.

Wells said PMH hospital beds remain available for the most critically ill patients.

Breezes also allows for staff accommodations which are on the fourth floor, making it possible for staff members to isolate effectively and avoid the potential risk of taking the COVID-19 virus home to their families.

Minnis said the government has only been asked to cover utility costs during the use of the hotel.

The hotel was also used by the government as a quarantine facility.