NASSAU, BAHAMAS — An out-island boutique resort operator is backing calls for the government to do away with the 14-day quarantine requirement when the tourism sector reopens next month.
Edwin Mulford, owner of Cat Island’s Pigeon Cay Beach Club, said: “There are some key issues that we have to address and then hope for the rebound maybe before next year. October doesn’t matter as it would be slow anyhow and into November. We would do some Thanksgiving business but must try to grab the Christmas and New Year’s visitors.”
“It’s important to ensure that people wear their masks and practice social distancing and no large gatherings. The idea of having to quarantine deters visitors and has to go. It is unnecessary in most cases as long as strict proper protocols are adhered to. Guests must be able to move about freely, as most islands have resumed normal day to day operations.
Mulford said: “COVID testing is essential now for travel but the five-day window is a bit stressful. Seven to ten days would help for domestic and international. We must however be careful with Nassau, Abaco, and Freeport and handle them differently as that’s where we will get increased infections. Nassau’s airport must be kept sanitized and travelers connecting to family islands must not stay over and remain in the airport if possible. If they must overnight then recommended safe lodging can be implemented.”
Tourism Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar recently told Eyewitness News his ministry was working hard alongside the Ministry of Health to reach a compromise over the mandatory 14-day quarantine requirement for visitors.
Mulford said: “We may get guests if the government makes things a little easier and nix the quarantine thing which is not an answer-and scares off visitors. We are now having to dip into our savings in order to just maintain the property and pay for food and utilities. It is tough and we have no help at all except our own means but that’s ok, we are dealing with it. We have to watch the private home rental sector as they will rent first and still are not being taxed which certainly would help with all that’s going on. The timing is perfect.”
