Bajan woman among two with COVID-19

Nation News – A 39-year-old Barbadian woman and a visitor from the United States have both tested positive for COVID-19, the first two confirmed cases here in Barbados.

A solemn Minister of Health and Wellness Jeffrey Bostic made the announcement live on Facebook this morning.

Bostic said the American, who is 48-years-old, arrived in Barbados on March 13. He did not state if it was a male or female. The Barbadian woman also returned home from the United States.

He said both showed symptoms and were among 14 people who were tested yesterday. The Best-dos Santos Public Health Laboratory confirmed the cases this morning. They will remain in isolation until they recover.

All of the other tests were negative.

Bostic said the Ministry has initiated its protocols for contact tracing, that is, identifying anyone who would have come into close contact with the two patients, and they will be placed in quarantine for 14 days.

“Our priority now as a ministry is to ensure COVID-19 is contained and to do all in our power to prevent in country transmission. We are now at Stage 1 of our national COVID-19 preparedness plan where the primary focus is containment to prevent community spread,” Bostic said. (SAT)