NASSAU, BAHAMAS — A tourism executive yesterday warned over getting “bogged down” with the negatives over efforts to re-start the tourism sector, stressing that Bahamians and residents must play their responsible role.
The government yesterday announced new travel and testing protocols designed to eliminate the need for the previously proposed 14-day quarantine on November 1.
All incoming visitors must “Vacation in Place” for 14 days or the duration of stay, whichever is shorter, until the end of the month.
Out Island Promotion Board executive director Kerry Fountain said: “It’s either quarantine or test upon and after arrival, and quarantine is a non-starter.
“This why American Airlines’ pre-arrival testing is so important. If this is done by all of our airline partners or done at originating gateways/airports (like Tampa). It means that less visitors will have to test upon arrival in The Bahamas. It means visitors staying less than five nights would not have to do another test and they are free to roam, to enjoy our Family Islands’ beaches, fly-fishing, deep-sea fishing, diving, swimming with the pigs, etc, upon arrival.
“It also means they are free to dine at local restaurants and conch shacks; free to shop at our local grocery stores, farmers’ markets, gas stations, and straw markets.”
He said: “Again though, as Bahamians and residents, we must play our responsible role: wear masks and encourage each other to do the same, frequently wash/sanitize our hands, practice social distancing and implement an “If you see something, say something” neighborhood program on all islands/communities.
“Lives, jobs, businesses are at stake. The announcement begs a lot of questions in terms of who will do what and how, but the Bahamas Tourism Recovery and Reopening Committee is up to the task; we have no choice.”
Fountain added: “We must also – as a national Tourism Team, as a country – focus on how we can make this work – instead of getting bogged down on the negatives. Quarantine or testing? I would opt for the latter any day of the week.”
The new protocols will require visitors, and returning citizens and residents to obtain an RT-PCR (swab) test no more than seven (7) days prior to their travel to The Bahamas.
Additionally, and to ensure that travelers remain COVID free, a rapid antigen test will be conducted upon arrival, and then again four days (96 hours) after arrival in The Bahamas.
