The headquarters of the National Assistance Board (NAB) on Country Road, St. Michael, will reopen its doors for business on Tuesday, May 12.
The headquarters was closed two weeks ago after five administrative members of staff based there tested positive for COVID-19. Since then, one other staff member from headquarters as well as a staff member from the Home Help Programme tested positive for the viral illness.
The Ministry of People Empowerment & Elder Affairs and the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW) issued a joint statement today announcing the reopening.
The statement is assuring the public that the premises have been thoroughly cleaned and sanitized, and that staff members have been exiting quarantine and isolation with “clean bills of health”, as certified by the Ministry of Health and Wellness.
It expressed appreciation to the Director and staff for “their cooperation and dedication during what was a very challenging experience for the Department”. It also commended those officers who took over the helm to facilitate the continuation of services and other operations of the NAB.
The NAB is government’s primary agency responsible for the care of Barbados’ elderly and other vulnerable persons, and, during the period of closure, alternative arrangements were put in place to ensure that the critical services to clients continued. (BGIS)
