The Royal Bahamas Defence Force abruptly cancelled its New Entry training program this week after several recruits undergoing training tested positive for Covid-19.
They are all reportedly asymptomatic.
The infected recruits are now in quarantine onboard HMBS Coral Harbour and are being monitored closely by the Force Medical Officer, Registered Nurses and Emergency Medical Technicians Team.
The recruits, who are all asymptomatic, are said to be “tolerating their exposure well” and are on a vitamin and electrolyte regimen to boost their immune system.
The RBDF acknowledged the “quick spread” of the virus among its newest batch of recruits.
“The Royal Bahamas Defence Force acknowledges the quick spread of Covid-19 amongst its latest intake of recruits undergoing basic training.”
“As such, the Defence Force wishes to advise that New Entry training has been discontinued at this time, to allow the proper management and treatment of those testing positive for the virus and to keep non Covid- positive recruits in isolation,” the Defence Force said in a statement on Saturday evening.
Steps have been taken to sanitize the training facility, lodging, classrooms and other common spaces occupied or utilized by the recruits and training staff.
Recruits and Instructors are being screened twice daily, according to the RBDF.
Force Medical Officer Dr. Derwin Johnson said, “the situation is in control and the recruits will be retested for viral clearance as per international standards.”
The remaining three weeks of training will ensue once a medical all-clear is given for infected recruits.
Infections among the recruits follow data from the Ministry of Health, which revealed that members of the uniformed branches account for the most exposed occupation.
2,135 people have tested positive for COVID-19 as of Saturday. 78 new cases were confirmed today. The majority of them are on New Providence.