DON’T YIELD JUST YET: DPM warns against being ‘lulled to sleep’ by improved CDC travel advisory

Cooper says improving rating “good for business” but threat of omicron persists

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation Chester Cooper yesterday warned that this nation ought not be “lulled to sleep” by the United States’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) decision to lower The Bahamas’ COVID-19 Travel Risk Advisory Rating from Level 3 to Level 2.

Speaking ahead of a Cabinet meeting yesterday, Cooper said: “With the new variant coming, we ought not to be lulled to sleep by this improvement in our rating by the CDC. We should stay vigilant, follow the protocols [and] avoid large crowds and gatherings.

“Now that we are at Level 2, it doesn’t mean we are completely out of the woods.

“The reality for right now, at this point, this is good for business. There is a lot of pent-up demand. Out numbers are exceeding what they were at pre-pandemic levels.

“We are now anticipating that we are going to get the big groups, the conventions and corporate business.

“This is a win-win for our economy, a win-win for tourism and it’s great for the Bahamian people.”

The CDC’s reclassification was announced in a press release from the Ministry of Health and Wellness Monday night.

A Level 3 rating represents a high risk while Level 2 is moderate risk.

“According to the CDC, a Level 2 rating advises international travelers to be fully vaccinated before coming to The Bahamas,” the Ministry of Health and Wellness said.

“It also advises that unvaccinated travelers who are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 should avoid non-essential travel and if travel is necessary, discuss any concerns with a doctor.”

In late November, the CDC reclassified the COVID-19 threat in The Bahamas from a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory to a Level 3 warning. This came after the CDC moved the country to a Level 4 warning from Level 3 in August.