The National Insurance Board’s office in Freeport was temporarily closed today after an employee tested positive for the coronavirus.
The Covid-19 case came as no surprise to employees who said NIB Freeport has done a poor job of enforcing safety protocols for employees.
“This will probably be the first of many government offices as the government is not implementing and enforcing protocols in their offices, as they are making the private sector implement,” according to an employee who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Employees claim they were forced to report to work on days when NIB is closed to the public instead of being allowed to work from home to reduce the risk of contracting the virus.
“We asked them why do we have to be here. The woman snapped at my co-worker and said either you come everyday or you get cut,” said another frustrated worker.
Residents currently receiving benefits on the island fear the office closure will exacerbate the already frustrating process of collecting cheques.
Grand Bahama continues to see an exponential increase in coronavirus cases despite a two-week lockdown, which has been extended to August 19.
As of Sunday, August 9, 2020, the island had 389 cases. 15 of those cases were confirmed yesterday.
There are 898 Covid-19 cases in The Bahamas.