Laboratories have a maximum of 48 hours to turnaround Covid-19 test results, according to Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis who said local labs have committed to meeting this new mandate.
Some labs have charged over $200 to turnaround COVID test results in 24 hours and a lower rate to produce test results in 3 to 5 days.
Minnis, who addressed the nation on COVID-19 on Sunday afternoon, said medical facilities are under tremendous strain and have reached capacity as cases continue to climb.
Minnis said the home is a main point of viral infection and discouraged residents from visiting family members or to stay outdoors and wear masks during those visits.
Noting that COVID-19 will be with us for some time, he said discussions with members of the business community will take place over the next two days to discuss the best way to operate during the pandemic.
Health officials have said the country is averaging one covid-19 death per day and the fatality rate is 2.27 percent.
96 people in The Bahamas have died from Covid-19 and 15 deaths are under investigation.
Minnis said one in every 100 residents on New Providence has COVID-19, citing many residents’ lackadaisical approach to the virus that has infected over 4,400 Bahamians.