Some changes do not apply to New Providence
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis today announced a range of eased restrictions to the latest emergency orders, including the removal of the need to obtain a negative COVID-19 test when traveling from Grand Bahama.
The prime minister also revealed an extension of beach access hours nationwide, and the resumption of indoor dining.
The majority of the changes apply to all islands in the second schedule with the exception of New Providence.
These include Grand Bahama, Abaco, Acklins, Andros, the Berry Islands, Bimini, Cat Island, Crooked Island, Eleuthera, Exuma, Mayaguana and Inagua.
Business agencies, establishments and institutions will now be able to operate with few exceptions to “high risk” activities that remain prohibited.
Casinos, bars, cinemas, gyms, regattas, festivals, among others, remain prohibited businesses.
Other businesses previously prohibited to open or opened with restrictions may now do so following all public health measures.
Restaurants will be able to offer indoor dining with physically distancing and health protocols.
However, Fish Fry must maintain curbside and takeaway service only, the prime minister said.
Retailers will be able to offer in-store service, Minnis announced.
Businesses will have the discretion to open at any time outside of the curfew hours.
This means businesses “may determine their operating hours from 5am to 10pm”, Minnis advised.
Additionally, the prime minister said residents on islands in the second schedule except New Providence, may socially gather with a maximum of up to 10 people.
“We encourage you to do so in a safe manner,” Minnis said.
All islands
According to Minnis, private charters may now operate, including inter-island, provided individuals comply with the inter-island travel orders.
Inter-island commercial travel will also be allowed to resume this Wednesday, September 9, Minnis said.
He announced a negative COVID-19 test will no longer be required for inter-island travel, except those traveling from New Providence.
Quarantine will still be required for 14-day for those traveling among all islands in the second schedule.
Exceptions may be granted from quarantine in certain circumstances.
The change means individuals traveling from Grand Bahama to any part of The Bahamas will no longer require a test for the virus.
“If individuals travel to New Providence and seek to return to any other island, they will be required to obtain a COVID-19 RT PCR negative test and the 14-day quarantine, once you’ve left Nassau,” Minnis said.
The prime minister said the travel protocols are subject to change.
Residents on all islands will also be able to visit beaches and parks between 5am and noon, an extension from the previous restriction of 6am to 9am.
Residents on all islands may now exercise in their neighborhoods from 5am to 10pm.
Residents on all islands may participate in group exercise from 5am to noon.
Minnis also advised private medical facilities and dentists can provide service within the curfew hours, and medical services outside curfew hours in cases of emergencies.
Worship service may resume in sanctuary.
Notwithstanding the eased restrictions, the prime minister said the risk of spread of the virus is higher in indoor environments.
He encouraged residents to follow all health guidelines, saying the “more we keep the virus suppressed, the more normalcy there will be in our lives”.
Minnis discouraged residents from hosting parties, and urged those attending any social gathering in accordance with the restrictions to wear a facial mask at all times.
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