Weekday curfew reintroduced from 7pm to 5am beginning Oct. 13
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis announced today New Providence and Abaco will see a return of increased restrictions, including a “full, 24-hour weekend curfew” over the upcoming holiday weekend and beyond, and a return of a nightly curfew beginning next week Tuesday.
The full, 24-hour weekend curfew will begin on Friday at 7pm and end on Tuesday at 5am.
The nightly curfew on Mondays through Fridays will be in effect between 7pm and 5am beginning next week Tuesday, October 13.
During an address in Parliament, Minnis said only certain essential services will be permitted during the full weekend curfew.
These include the uniformed branches, customs and immigration, public health services, sanitation services, essential utility services, and the operation of sea ports and airports.
Worship services will be permitted for one hour between 7am and 1pm on Saturdays and Sundays, according to the prime minister.
However, food stores, pharmacies, gas stations, construction sites and laundromats will be closed during the full weekend curfew.
“To the extent that this is not already the case, food distribution by the National Food Distribution Task Force will be tailored to take place during weekdays,” Minnis said.
Religious services may also continue during the week in accordance with the Bahamas Christian Council’s guidelines, according to the prime minister.
Social gatherings remain prohibited, according to Minnis, who announced a hotline for residents to report these breaches.
The hotline number is 702-9967 thru 9.
Minnis said police will strictly enforce the orders with respect to social gatherings and the upcoming curfews.
The prime minister said health officials also advised it was necessary to revert to the earlier position regarding funerals and weddings.
Funerals will be limited to 10 people with graveside service only.
Wakes and repasts will be prohibited.
Weddings will also be limited to 10 people, while wedding receptions will be prohibited.
The prime minister said he understands the changes will be challenging for those who planned for larger weddings and funeral for the upcoming weekend.
However, he said if there is a further deterioration of the COVID-19 situation in New Providence, “we risk a collapse of the health care system”.
As of yesterday, there were a total 4,632 cases, of which 1,961 remain active.
New Providence continues to lead cases with 3,468. Abaco had 157 infections.
More details will be provided in a later publication on ewnews.com
