Bahamas Ministry Of Tourism & Aviation Statement On Executive Order Amid Rising Covid-19 Cases
Bahamas will Reinstate Country-Wide Restrictions, Protocols to Prevent Further Spread of COVID-19 and Protect the Health, Safety of Bahamians, and Visitors
NASSAU, Bahamas, July 24, 2020 – In a press conference this evening, Prime Minister, The Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis, announced that, out of an abundance of caution for the health and safety of residents and visitors, The Bahamas has reinstated on-island guidelines, protocols and preventative measures to help curb further spread of COVID-19.
An updated Emergency Order applies to the entire country of The Bahamas and includes weekend lockdowns and weekly curfews, beach closures, dining restrictions, prohibition of all congregate activity, and the discontinuation of inter-island travel.
Since reopening borders to international travel on July 1, The Bahamas has unfortunately seen a steady increase in positive COVID-19 cases and a growing concern over public health and the well-being of the population. As a result, the following actions will take effect:
Beginning Friday, July 24 at 10:00pm:
- A weekend lockdown will be implemented through 5:00am on Monday, July 27. All residents are to remain at home to avoid contact outside of their family, except for those who have been deemed essential workers, or have special permission from the Commissioner of Police.
- Weekend lockdowns will continue until health indicators show otherwise. Lockdowns will be removed on an island-by-island basis.
Beginning Monday, July 27 at 5:00am:
- Commercial activity will resume, however, all business activity must be completed by 6pm
- All public and private beaches and parks will remain closed, inclusive of hotel and resort beaches
- Social distancing guidelines must be followed at all times while outside the home and masks are required in any situation where social distancing is enforced
- A daily curfew will go into effect from 7:00pm through 5:00am
- With the exception of hotel restaurants, indoor and outdoor dining will be prohibited, however, takeaway, curbside and delivery are permitted
- All congregate activities are prohibited, including religious services, sporting events and social gatherings
Beginning Tuesday, July 28 at 7:00pm:
- Inter-island travel will be discontinued. All travelers returning to the Family Islands from Nassau are required to quarantine for 14 days.
While The Bahamas is currently open to international commercial flights from all countries, it is recommended that all international travel to and from The Bahamas is limited only to essential purposes. All travellers to The Bahamas will be required to adhere to the following protocol:
- All travellers must have a negative Coronavirus (COVID-19) RT-PCR test result from a sample dated 10 days or less before arrival. The requirement for a COVID 19 RT-PCR test does not apply to children who are 10 years and younger.
- All travellers must complete a Bahamas Health Visa application at www.travel.gov.bs before departure. To complete the Health Visa, travellers must upload a negative Coronavirus (COVID-19) RT-PCR test result or select a relevant exemption category, as well as provide his/hers contact information.
- The approved "Bahamas Health Visa" application must be presented at check-in and upon arrival.
- Upon arrival to The Bahamas, subject to any exemption that the Competent Authority of The Bahamas may give to diplomatic personnel, any person or any class of person, Bahamian nationals and residents and visitors entering The Bahamas from any jurisdiction will be placed in a mandatory fourteen-day quarantine at a designated Government quarantine facility upon arrival at his/her expense.
- The national, resident or visitor will be required to undergo a RTPCR COVID 19 molecular diagnostic test at the end of the period of quarantine at his/her expense.
The Bahamas has remained diligent in efforts to minimize the spread of COVID-19 throughout the islands and these measures are imperative to ensure that remains the case. The health and wellbeing of both residents and visitors remain the number one priority, and even greater emphasis is being put on ensuring The Bahamas is a safe and clean destination for all to enjoy.
Full details of this order and the previous Emergency Order may be found at opm.gov.bs. Additional details and frequently asked questions regarding travel to The Bahamas will be shared on bahamas.com/travelupdates as available.
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PRESS INQUIRIES
Anita Johnson-Patty
General Manager, Global Communications
Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation
Weber Shandwick
Public Relations