Top things to know
- The Bahamas Ministry of Health and Wellness is monitoring a COVID-19 cluster in Grand Bahama linked to a church retreat held October 8-11, 2026.
- Of 112 retreat participants, 20 tested positive via rapid testing; 14 are Grand Bahama residents and six are from New Providence.
- One Grand Bahama case has been admitted to Rand Memorial Hospital and is in stable condition.
- The ministry urged the public to follow prevention protocols and seek emergency care for severe symptoms.
- The Bahamas has reported 844 to 849 cumulative COVID-19 deaths since the pandemic began, with recent years showing near-zero or minimal new deaths.
The Bahamas Ministry of Health and Wellness says it is closely monitoring a reported cluster of COVID-19 cases in Grand Bahama linked to a church retreat held from October 8 to 11, 2026.
In a statement, the ministry said that of 112 participants at the retreat, 20 tested positive for COVID-19 through rapid testing. Fourteen of the positive cases were confirmed residents of Grand Bahama, while the remaining six were from New Providence.
According to the ministry, one of the 14 Grand Bahama cases has been admitted to the Rand Memorial Hospital and is listed in stable condition.
The ministry reminded the public to follow prevention protocols, including staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccination, frequent handwashing with soap and water, use of alcohol-based sanitizer, improved indoor ventilation, wearing a well-fitted mask when appropriate, staying home when sick, covering coughs and sneezes, and taking precautions around older relatives and people at high risk of severe illness.
It listed COVID-19 symptoms as fever or chills; cough, sore throat or congestion; fatigue and body aches; headache; loss of taste or smell; shortness of breath; and nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. The ministry noted that symptoms can range from mild to severe, and some people may have few or no symptoms but can still transmit the virus.
People experiencing difficulty breathing or severe shortness of breath, persistent chest pain or pressure, new confusion or inability to stay awake, pale, grey or blue lips, or any other severe or rapidly worsening symptoms should seek emergency medical attention immediately, the ministry said.
The ministry urged members of the public to be guided only by information released by the Ministry of Health and Wellness or official sources.
The statement comes as The Bahamas has recorded a cumulative total of between 844 and 849 COVID-19 deaths since the pandemic began, according to official figures. The vast majority of those deaths occurred during earlier pandemic surges, peaking around 2021. In recent years, from 2024 to 2026, new reported COVID-19 deaths in The Bahamas have dropped to near zero or very minimal numbers.
The ministry did not provide further details on the current cluster, including the vaccination status of those infected or whether additional cases are suspected. The public has been advised to continue following official guidance as the situation is monitored.