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Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis is now speaking.
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PM says he wants to speak about the way forward. "We are making progress," he says. Says the physical distancing measures, curfews and lockdowns are having an effect. "But we still have a long way to go."
"Now is not the time to let down our guard," says Dr Minnis.
Dr Minnis says just as a patient recovers best in going through the full course of treatment, so the country must go through its full process.
Dr Minnis says the govt has a full programme in response, including social services, NIB, the financial community and so on.
Dr Minnis makes a "strong appeal" to doctors in private practice to help in the fight against COVID-19. "During this hour of great need" he urges more of his former colleagues to join in the fight.
Dr Minnis compares the treatment of AIDS victims when there was a stigma to touch patients, and says we need "every health professional available" to fight this threat. He says if need be he will "be with you again" as he took the Hippocratic Oath.
Dr Minnis says the government is watching what is happening in other countries and learning what is working and what is not working.
PM: "It has been approximately one month since the first case of COVID-19 was recorded in The Bahamas... the total number of confirmed cases [is] 49. Eight have died. The patients who succumbed were older in age and had significant co-morbidities."
PM says that the underlying conditions had a severe effect on the outcomes for the patients who died.
PM refers to testing limitations, saying that as testing expands more people will be diagnosed with COVID-19, including those with mild symptoms. Says Ministry of Health plans to expand testing this week, which will lead to an increase in the number of cases.
PM says the expanded testing will show that the case fatality rate is indeed lower than the high percentage we currently see reflected in the numbers.
PM: I understand the many burdens associated with the curfews and lockdowns, including for the poorest and more vulnerable in our society. I understand the mental health challenges, the loneliness, the difficulties, the problems and anxiety caused by various measures.
PM: The more we abide by physical distancing, the quicker we can end the restrictions.
South Beach Clinic was prepared on Sunday as a COVID-19 clinic. Can accommodate an additional ten patients with the virus.
PM says the shopping schedule is a work in progress and we will continue to improve it. Says the govt wants our suggestions and ideas.
PM: Shopping schedule is designed to limit the spread of the virus and ensure residents have the time to purchase food. Trying to balance these goals "as carefully as possible".
PM says govt is temporarily suspending the alphabetical order shopping schedule, effective from tomorrow until Friday.
Alphabetical shopping schedule will come back into effect on Monday next week. Shops to be open from 6am-7pm. 6am-8am reserved for seniors and people with disabilities. PM: "Please respect our senior citizens and persons with disabilities."
Grocery stores to be allowed to operate on Saturday from 6am-6pm for essential workers only. 6am-noon health professionals, police and defence force, clearing banks, wholesale distributors. Noon-6pm Remaining essential workers as identified previously.
Pharmacies also open on Saturdays until 3pm for essential workers only.
PM reiterates there is no need for panic buying - there is enough food. Warned against stockpiling because of expiration dates on food.
PM urges stores to design systems for their stores that work best. Says if stores find customers are having trouble physical distancing to consider using a number or ticketing system that allows customers to wait in their vehicles.
PM says store owners should enforce shopping schedule when it is in effect and also enforce physical distancing. Also ensure employees are protected.
PM says he knows the five-day lockdown has been difficult, but if we do not need to go to the food store, please consider waiting for another day. This will help you to avoid lines and to protect your health and the health of others.
PM: There is no perfect system - but let us work together to design the best system possible.
PM: Our goal is to protect and to save lives. The point of the shopping schedule is to reduce the number of people moving around at any one time.
PM reiterates the need to be at least six feet away from other people at all times. This reduces the chance of becoming infected. He also says to travel with an ID at all times. (No mention of what happens if you don't have an ID)
PM also encourages using online grocery delivery systems. He encourages Bahamians to use more online delivery and pick-up options, saying it is unclear how long this restricted period will last.
PM: Commerce still needs to happen. The more we create online ordering, payment and delivery options, the more we keep our domestic economy functioning while also reducing lines. "There is a major opportunity" for business.
PM: Every person who leaves their residence must wear a mask covering their nose and mouth while away from their residence.
PM: Govt to appoint a food security task force to ensure every Bahamian who needs food is provided with adequate food. The task force will also make recommendations to increase food production in The Bahamas.
