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Health Minister Jeffrey Bostic announced today that health officials are investigating the death of an 84-year-old Barbadian man possibly linked to coronavirus (COVID) -19.
He also said there is a young woman ‘non-Barbadian’ in critical condition at Harrison Point.
Bostic, whose statement was recorded, said the man reported to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Accident and Emergency Department last night (January 16) after feeling ill.
He passed away at QEH.
Bostic said the man has a long history of lung diseases and chronic non-communicable diseases.
The minister said the man died while his case was fully evaluated by medical staff. QEH staff took blood samples that showed the victim COVID-19 was positive.
‘However, I would like to warn the public that at this stage we can only say that death can be COVID-related, as the exact cause of death, whether from COVID or complications of its other disease, can only be determined until the post is completed mortem, ”he said.
Bostic said that every precaution is taken and that safety protocols are followed.
Contact detection was started for medical staff who handled the case and relatives of the deceased. The minister said evidence indicated that the source of the case could be easily traced.
“Now that COVID-19 has not recorded any deaths in Barbados, it is indeed sad news,” he said.
Bostic is appealing to the public to disinfect, to wear masks correctly and physically.
COVID-19 figures from the Ministry of Health up to 15 January indicated that there were 1,095 confirmed cases of the virus and seven deaths. (KG)