COVID-19 update and press conference – May 3, 2021. (PMO)

Contact tracing at the Psychiatric Hospital following an outbreak of COVID-19 late last month has produced negative results so far.

Director of the Psychiatric Hospital, David Leacock, made that announcement this evening as he addressed a virtual press conference to provide an update on the status of COVID-19 in Barbados.

Late last month, it was announced that there were 15 positive cases from the Black Rock, St. Michael institution comprising both staff and patients.

However, today, Mr. Leacock indicated that all 82 clients and 25 staff members on the affected ward were tested. He added that the staff were presently in Government quarantine facilities awaiting their second test, which is expected to be completed tomorrow. The clients are also expected to receive their second tests tomorrow.

The Director indicated that tests were conducted on all clients on four other wards, with the exception of one person who declined to be tested. That person, he stated, would remain in quarantine for 14 days to ensure that they were no longer infective.

“All other persons have been tested and those tests have all returned negative results at this time,” he revealed.

The Director gave the assurance that the outbreak did not affect operations at the hospital as it was already operating on reduced visitations, while continuing to provide care at all levels.

“Our out-patients’ clinic remains open and our community service continues to function as normal,” Mr. Leacock stated, noting the institution continued to be supported by the Ministry of Health and Wellness ensure staffing was uninterrupted.

Meanwhile, Senior Consultant Psychiatrist at the Hospital, Dr. Brian MacLachlan, also reported that 29 patients were discharged from the ‘A’ Ward at the Psychiatric Hospital from around April 1. Of that number, four were readmitted to the ward at the mental health institution during April.

He added that 24 patients were contacted either directly or through their relatives and asked to present themselves for testing so they could be cleared.

However, he noted that officials were unable to reach five clients to date and have sought the assistance of the Community Mental Health Nursing team in locating them to have them come forward for testing to ensure that they are well.

julia.rawlins-bentham@barbados.gov.bb

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