Govt clears air on Fake report

The attention of the Government has been drawn to a bogus news story circulating on the Internet stating that a Barbadian family of three has died from the coronavirus.

The undated story from a source identifying itself as News NT, states that the deaths were announced by the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

However, Barbadians should note that the story is entirely untrue and up to tonight no one in the country had tested positive for COVID 19, neither resident nor visitor.

In fact, for more than eight hours today senior local officials of the Ministry of Health and Wellness, led by Acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr Anton Best, met first with representatives of the Government, Social Partnership and regional health experts,  and then with permanent secretaries and heads of department to look at the country’s readiness to respond to the virus.

These meetings were all chaired by Prime Minister MiaAmor Mottley, who also addressed the country during an afternoon press conference.

During those discussions, health officials reiterated that to date, Barbados remains free of the virus, but on watch.

Barbadians have been advised to refer to the websites of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), Pan American Health Organisation, World Health Organisationand the Barbados Government Information Service when seeking credible information on COVID 19.