|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||
↧
242NewsBahamas - COVID-19 Update
↧
Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation Statement on COVID-19
By The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation
NASSAU, Bahamas, March 20, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation is following guidance from the Bahamas Ministry of Health and other government agencies pertaining to the country's Preparedness and Response Plan for COVID-19. At this time, there are four confirmed cases of coronavirus in Nassau, The Bahamas. Patients are isolated in quarantine following the guidelines outlined by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
To further protect the well-being of Bahamian citizens, Prime Minister, The Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis, yesterday announced increased preventative measures and protocol to minimize the potential spread of the illness. These include new border control and quarantine measures for persons travelling from highly infected areas, as well as an imposed curfew extending each night from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. effective Friday, March 20. Given the growing public health concern and to protect the health and well-being of the population of The Bahamas, effective Thursday, March 19, expanded travel restrictions were introduced. Foreign nationals and foreign individuals who have travelled within the last 20 days from United Kingdom, Ireland and other countries in Europe will be prohibited entry into The Bahamas. This is in addition to restrictions already in place for China, Iran, Italy and South Korea. This restricted travel list of countries will be continuously monitored and updated as necessary. Read more >>
↧
↧
Blood and organ donations shrink amid coronavirus fears
Anxiety over transmission is curbing donations to dangerous levels, but research shows the risk is negligible.
A blood bag fills during a donation.
Photograph by Matthias Bein, Picture-Alliance, DPA via AP Images
By Douglas Main
The U.S. Surgeon General yesterday pleaded with Americans to keep donating blood, as the nation’s supplies are already running low amid fears stoked by the coronavirus pandemic.
“You'll be helping your country and your community during this crisis. And you might even save a life,” Surgeon General Jerome Adams said in a press conference on Thursday.
Medical experts say that blood drives and donations have already dropped off significantly. In the last few days, more than 4,000 scheduled blood drives have been cancelled, in part due to closings at the schools and workplaces where these drives are usually held.
That equates to 130,00 fewer blood donations, says Kate Fry, CEO of America’s Blood Centers, a nonprofit whose member organizations collect a majority of the nation’s blood supply. She adds that some blood banks around the country are already running low, and the materials have a short shelf life: 42 days for red blood cells and five days for platelets, the cell fragments in blood that form clots to help prevent bleeding.
The epidemic is also changing the organ donation and transplant landscape. Transplantations for urgent conditions are continuing as usual, but some less critical operations are being put on hold. Read more >>
↧
Why Warmer Weather Probably Won’t Stop COVID-19
Yes, most infectious diseases are seasonal. But waiting for COVID-19 to wane on its own is a bad idea
Warmer weather can bring blooms. But don't expect it to resolve the COVID-19 pandemic on its own. (Ali Majdfar / Getty Images)
COVID-19 is not the flu. But amidst the ongoing pandemic, many people hold out hope that the two diseases have something crucial in common: a seasonality that will loosen the global grip of SARS-CoV-2 as the weather warms.
Many infectious diseases wax and wane with the changing months. Some, like flu, spike when the weather turns cold, while others, like cholera, thrive during warm, rainy summers. Whether such a pattern applies to SARS-CoV-2 is unclear. With spring just barely sprung, scientists haven’t had the time to suss out SARS-CoV-2’s annual schedule—if it sticks to one at all. Read more >>
↧
Italy calls in military to enforce coronavirus lockdown as 627 people die in 24 hours
By Valentina Di Donato, Nicola Ruotolo and Laura Smith-Spark, CNN
Rome (CNN)Soldiers were being drafted in to help enforce the lockdown in Italy on Friday as officials announced 627 new deaths, the largest single-day toll anywhere in the world since the coronavirus outbreak began.
Desperate scenes have unfolded in the north of the country, particularly the hard-hit Lombardy region where infections first exploded last month, as hospitals struggle to treat thousands of cases.
And Chinese medical experts helping Italy deal with the crisis have said the restrictions imposed in Lombardy are "not strict enough."
The government has now agreed that the military can be used to help enforce the lockdown, the president of the Lombardy region, Attilio Fontana, told a news conference on Friday. Read more >>
↧
↧
Legendary country singer Kenny Rogers dies at 81
Kenny Rodgers
By Christina Maxouris and Alta Spells, CNN
(CNN)Kenny Rogers, whose legendary music career spanned nearly six decades, has died at the age of 81, his publicist Keith Hagan told CNN.
The artist's family announced his passing on Rogers' verified Twitter account, saying he died Friday night from natural causes under the care of hospice and surrounded by family. Read more >>
↧
Google launches educational coronavirus website
Keilar presses Fauci on Trump's Google claim
(CNN)Google launched an educational coronavirus website on Saturday that contains safety tips and authoritative information about the pandemic.
The move comes a week after President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence announced that Google was building a nationwide testing website, where Americans could answer a questionnaire and be directed to their nearest testing locations. But Google never affirmed the administration's claims, and the website that launched Saturday does not include a testing screener.
The website, google.com/covid19, is "focused on education, prevention and local resources. People can find state-based information, safety and prevention tips, search trends related to COVID-19, and further resources for individuals, educators and businesses," Google said in a blog post. Read more >>
↧
This Bahamian Gyal - Got Cabin Fever Yet?
By This Bahamian Gal
Avoid Cabin Fever During Self-Quarantine
Hey everyone!
I know, I know. The world is on edge due to the COVID-19 outbreak. It’s driving people mad, and indoors.
If you’re one of the millions of people who have the displeasure of being locked away during this pandemic, you’re probably starting to experience a bout of cabin fever. Cabin fever occurs when a person or group is stuck in confined quarters or isolation for an extended period of time.
I’ve been going a bit stir crazy myself. But, I realize that there are things you can do to maintain your sanity during this difficult time that do not include checking your Facebook feed every five minutes for coronavirus updates.
Firstly, if you’re stuck at home, do a little cleaning. I’m sure there are things around the house that you have been neglecting to take care of because you didn’t have the time. Well, now you can. And you can do it in your own time.
This is also time to catch up on those Netflix series that you have been missing out on. You and are your family can spend some quality time bonding over a funny series. I suggest Chewing Gum, a British series about Tracey Gordon, a religious, Beyoncé-obsessed woman in her early 20s who navigates the crazy world. The side characters will leave you in stitches. You’ll thank me later.
Make time to go outdoors. Nature has healing powers. Just smelling the trees or flowers can really rejuvenate your mind. You can also wash your car while outside. As an island gyal, I need the ocean to be rejuvenated. But, ever since I relocated to Washington, DC, I don’t have that luxury anymore. Instead, I go to a harbour just to look at the water. You’d be surprised what the water can do.
This is also a great time to play games with family members, if they live with you. Monopoly, checkers and Uno are all fun games. If you don’t have any of those, play Charades, a guessing game.
If you’re a woman who has not been able to get to the salon, why not give yourself a manicure or pedicure. You can create your own mani/pedi party at home where everyone walks away with a fresh paint job.
Last but not least, catch up on past posts on This Bahamian Gyal. I have articles that deal with relationships, career advice, the latest reality shows and even inspirational posts to lift your spirits. It’s my favourite place on the web.
We’re all going to be hunkered down for a while. So, it’s important that we make the most of this situation. It doesn’t have to be all bad.
Stay safe and happy quarantining!
XOXO,
This Bahamian Gyal
↧
Bahamas confirms fourth case of COVID-19
↧
↧
Haitian Community Leaders Back Government Action On Covid-19
Pastor Edward St Fleur, of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, speaking on Friday. Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
tsmithcartwright@tribunemedia.net
LEADERS of the local Haitian community announced on Friday that they support the Government in its fight to control the COVID-19 virus, and urged Haitians in The Bahamas to present themselves to healthcare facilities if sick, regardless of their immigration status.
The Bahamas has now recorded its fourth case of the coronavirus and Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis has ordered a 9pm to 5am curfew.
Pastor Edward St Fleur, of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, is on the team communicating to the Haitian community what is expected of them during the curfew and how to prevent the spread of the virus.
“I would like to underscore that the meeting we had with Minister Dr Duane Sands, the Haitian community should have no fear as it relates to their immigration status,” said Pastor St Fleur. Read more >>
↧
Bahamas Central Bank expects economic decline due to coronavirus
Photo: iStock/poladamonte
Share to FacebookShare to TwitterShare to LinkedInShare to WhatsAppShare to MessengerShare to EmailShare to TelegramShare to More
The near term economic outlook for the Bahamas has become uncertain due to global travel cuts caused by the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19)
This assessment was given by the Bahamas Central Bank (BCB) in its Quarterly Economic Review for the fourth quarter of 2019.
According to BCB, the tourism sector has declined sharply for the first three months of 2020 and it will continue into the second quarter. Read more >>
↧
Petroleum Suppliers Confident No Interruption From Covid-19
By YOURI KEMP
Tribune Business Reporter
ykemp@tribunemedia.net
Major Bahamas-based petroleum suppliers yesterday said they expect no disruption to fuel flows due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Valentino Hanna, general manager at Sol Petroleum Bahamas, the Esso distributor, told Tribune Business: “At present we see no reason why there would be any disruptions in fuel supply logistics, and expect the market to be well supplied throughout the challenging months to come.
“The elements of the maritime industry associated with our supply logistics have taken very serious measures to ensure that their personnel’s exposure to COVID-19 is minimised even, in some instances, as far as eliminating shore leave for vessel personnel entirely.”
Dexter Adderley, managing director of Sun Oil Ltd, the Shell distributor, added: “We expect no adverse effects from the coronavirus outbreak.” He said Sun Oil is well stocked, and that it can continue to supply the market without any disruption. No supply interruptions are expected in the near future. Read more >>
↧
CURFEW: Man arrested following high-speed chase, other violators warned
By Royston Jones Jr.
COP says officers will carry out orders “to a tee”
Natl. Security Minister: “We are ready. This is what we were elected for”
Four cases of COVID-19 in The Bahamas
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — On the first night of the mandatory nationwide curfew, police arrested a man in his 30s following a high-speed chase from East Street to Market Street as he sought to evade officers who were out in droves across the island during the curfew period.
The man was spotted on East Street in a white Nissan during the curfew period, a violation of the newly implemented emergency orders, which were activated Friday.
The curfew is in effect from 9 pm to 5 am until March 31.
Another man riding a bicycle off East Street was stopped and searched.
When police officers asked him why he had not complied with the curfew, the man, who identified himself as Derick Dolce said he had not seen his daughter in six months and was going to visit.
He begged officers to allow him to return home, insisting he would obey the order.
The officers obliged with a warning.
Checkpoints and barricades were present at numerous intersections stretching from Carmichael Road to Baillou Hill Road, Robinson Road, the Independence Highway, East Street, Thompson Boulevard; among many others.
In each instance, vehicles that approached were stopped, and the occupants were required to show officers their identification.
The empty streets, with the exception of patrolling officers and closed businesses were a stark contrast to the typical Friday night in New Providence.
Minutes before 9 pm, Commissioner of Police Anthony Ferguson said police and defence force officers were strategically placed around New Providence and in the Family Islands to enforce the curfew and ensure compliance. Read more >>
↧
↧
At-home coronavirus tests now available, companies say
By Brie Stimson | Fox News
As coronavirus testing in the U.S. continues to lag behind that in other highly affected countries such as South Korea, several domestic startups are reportedly launching the first at-home tests.
The products have been greenlit by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration under new expedited guidelines to help combat the virus, according to Stat, a health care industry news outlet.
One such test provider is Nurx, a San Francisco-based company best known for home testing products for sexually transmitted infections and birth control, now offers testing kits for COVID-19 through the mail for $181 after prospective customers fill out an online form with their symptoms. Read more >>
↧
UK hotels to become homeless shelters under coronavirus plan
The plan is designed to halt the spread of Covid-19 among homeless people and rough sleepers. Photograph: Victoria Jones/PA
Louise Casey, hired by Boris Johnson last month over the issue of homelessness, was scheduled to start her role after Easter but deepening disquiet that the government was “sleepwalking” on homeless people’s vulnerability to Covid-19 led to the former head of Blair’s rough sleeper unit being drafted in to spearhead its response.
The strategy to safeguard the homeless will be announced on Monday and follows the lead of California in allowing vacant hotels to be requisitioned into homes for rough sleepers and those vulnerable to the virus. Read more >>
↧
Coronavirus: Expert says new symptoms could be loss of taste or smell
By Ashish Joshi, Health correspondent and Ganesh Rao
One of the country's leading Ear, Nose and Throat consultants has told Sky News there are new signs for detecting COVID-19 in patients.
The British Association of Otorhinolaryngology (ENT UK) say asymptomatic patients - ones who do not have a fever or a cough - could show a loss of smell or taste as symptoms after contracting coronavirus. Read more >>
↧
30 days that brought the world to the brink of a depression
By Charles Riley, CNN Business
London (CNN Business)Monday, February 17. The novel coronavirus outbreak is raging in China, but fewer than 1,000 people have been infected outside the country. With the virus out of sight and mostly out of mind, the Dow Jones Industrial Average stands just shy of 30,000 points, driven by the longest US economic expansion in history.
What investors couldn't know is that over the next 30 days, the coronavirus would burst out of quarantine in China, with major outbreaks in South Korea and Italy, then Spain, France, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States. It brought business to a sudden stop, sent stock markets into a meltdown and forced central banks to take emergency action on a scale even greater than during the 2008 global financial crisis.
A global recession, once unthinkable in 2020, is now a foregone conclusion and some experts warn that the pandemic could drag the world's economy into a depression. More bad news: The coronavirus outbreak may just be getting started. Read more >>
↧
↧
Coronavirus: A father's fears in Kenya's crowded Kibera settlement
In Africa, there are fewer Covid-19 cases than in many parts of the world, but the head of the World Health Organization has warned that the continent should prepare for the worst.
Governments across the region are introducing strict measures such as closing schools and restricting movements.
But in informal settlements where millions of people live at close quarters, many fear that keeping social distance and self-isolation are not possible.
Video producer: Gloria Achieng
Filmed by: Andrew Njuguna
View video
↧
Gear you need when you're off the grid
Leatherman tool
Some of us like to go off the grid periodically to get away from things, while others find themselves forced off the grid as a result of flooding, fire, pandemics, or some other misfortune.
No matter what the reason, I find having the right gear can help stay in touch with the world at your own terms when things are going well, and allow you to summon help and remain in touch with family members, friends, and the emergency services when things go bad. Read more >>
↧
You Can Take Online Classes at an Ivy League School for Free Right Now
It's time to go back to school. Photo: recep-bg/Getty Images
With everyone stuck indoors per the CDC’s recommendation that social distancing can slow down the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), many people are attempting to get creative on how to fill their time without going stir-crazy. Maybe you’ve decided to take up whittling, or maybe you’ve decided dammit, you’re going to write the next great American novel. But if you’re still looking for a productive, cheap, and distracting activity to keep you away from the ever-changing news cycle, why not take an online class via an Ivy League school?
Currently, all eight Ivy Leagues—Brown, Harvard, Cornell, Princeton, Dartmouth, Yale, Columbia, and the University of Pennsylvania—are offering 450 active, free courses across a range of topics digitally. All you have to do is visit Class Central, find the area of study you’re most interested in, and sign up through that university’s website. Read more >>
↧