Four employees of BPI tests positive for COVID-19 

Barbados: The Barbados Port Inc (BPI) confirmed that four of its workers have tested positive for coronavirus.

But works at the Port of Bridgetown, currently concentrated on delivering essential and immediate cargo during this Government-obligated national pause, which runs from February 3 to February 17, are not expected to be disrupted.

In a statement issued yesterday, the BPI gave the assurance that the requisite contact tracing was underway to identify these individuals’ primary contacts under the guidance of officials from the Ministry of Health and Wellness. These contacts will be required to present to health authorities for testing.

Besides, immediate steps were taken to close and sanitize areas where these individuals were assigned, and management of the port has assured that rigorous daily cleaning and sanitization would continue, following recommended guidelines to mitigate the risk of exposure to the virus.

The number of fatalities from coronavirus in Barbados rose by one today, taking the total number of demises to 15.

The latest person to fall to coronavirus was a 62-year-old Barbadian male, who had been an inmate at the Harrison Point Isolation Facility for the previous nine days.

Illustrating the loss of this Barbadian, Dr. Corey Forde, Infectious Diseases Specialist and Head of Isolation Facilities in Barbados reminds Barbadians that “masks are your chief threat. Please wear them.”

He is pleading with Barbadians to “look out for neighbors, the elderly, and those requiring aid. Get them to medical care.”

He is also reassuring the public to cooperate when the “Seek and Save” teams come to their homes and associations and get tested if requested. “We are fighting to save lives. If people follow the guidelines, we will win the battle.”

Minister of Health and Wellness, Lt. Col. Hon Jeffrey Bostic, joined Dr. Forde in prolonging condolences to the family now in mourning.

Click here for more news