nationaladdress

Prime Minister Hubert Minnis did not announce a national lockdown during his national address, as presumed by many. However, he begged Bahamians to get vaccinated as COVID-19 cases claim more lives and hospitalization at the country’s hospitals surges.

In a national address to the country on Wednesday night, Minnis asked Bahamians to disregard the anti-vaccination disinformation circulating social media which are hampering vaccination efforts.

“These falsehoods are leading to serious illnesses and deaths by those who base their decisions on this false information. They are making people afraid of medical science and vaccines.

“I want to be very clear, we are in a struggle between life and death. Taking the vaccine will protect you from serious disease and deaths.

“The vaccines have been tested. They are safe. There is nothing to be afraid of. The virus that causes covid19 is easy to catch.

“Our public health experts recommend you take the vaccine. World health experts recommend that you take the vaccine. As a medical doctor of 40 plus years, I recommend you take the vaccine.  Do not listen to fake news over the medical science.”

Vaccines have been limited in the country as doses are only available for people receiving the second jab.

Minnis said his government has been working hard for many months to secure more vaccines.

“We have been trying to move heaven and earth to secure more vaccines.”

The 3^rd tranche of prepaid vaccines of 33,600 doses of AstraZeneca through the COVAX facility is expected to arrive next week, Minnis said.

He said the government is also working with Caricom and the US government regarding donation of Pfizer vaccine.

Pfizer will be offered to 12 to 17-year-olds with the consent of parents and guardians.

Prime Minister Hubert Minnis will speak tonight in a national address to the country since re-implementing measures this week, to combat the increasing new virus cases in the country.

Wednesday will be significant as COVID19 cases surge during the third wave of the virus resulting in increasing rates of hospitalizations and deaths.

Nearly 50,000 Bahamian citizens and residents are fully vaccinated against the virus. However, many are still refusing to take the shot as health officials complain that 98.3% of its COVID-19 patients at Princess Margaret Hospital are unvaccinated.

A video went viral over the weekend, showing an overwhelmed hospital as patients lay on an outside corridor as rain poured nearby.

The Prime Minister is expected to discuss plans to assist with the care of people hospitalized with COVID-19, measures to limit further spread of the virus, and give an update on the country’s efforts to secure more vaccines.

The address will also focus on policies to ensure business continues and Bahamians are able to earn a living in a safe and responsible manner as measures are reintroduced.

This follows as pastors express disappointment in measures that limit their church services to one hour and spa owners are disgruntled as the Emergency Order prohibits operation of their businesses.

The address will air at 8pm on local stations.