As he announced the extension of emergency powers for another month, Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis yesterday presented planned phases for the reopening of The Bahamas, though no timeline was given.
“I know that some will be disappointed by the extension of the emergency orders, including workers and businesses who are hurting,” said Minnis in the House of Assembly.
“But I assure them, and I assure all Bahamians and residents, that this short-term sacrifice and pain is absolutely needed.”
On March 23, in an effort to contain the spread of COVID-19 in The Bahamas, the prime minister announced the implementation of a 24-hour curfew and the closure of international and domestic borders.
The plan Minnis presented for the reopening of the country is divided into six phases. The prime minister noted that they are subject to change on the advice of health officials.
Currently, the country is in the first phase — Phase 1A, Essential Services and Hurricane Preparedness.
During this phase, there is a 24-hour curfew through the week and weekend lockdowns.
During the curfew, people are allowed to exercise for 90 minutes each day in their immediate neighborhood. During lockdowns, everyone must remain within their yards.
Essential businesses and NGOs and churches permitted to provide for the needy are allowed to remain open. Additionally, home and hardware stores, nurseries and auto parts stores are open for two days of the week.
Businesses that manufacture personal protective equipment (PPE), as well as landscaping and property management businesses, are permitted to open from Monday to Friday.
Phase 1B, Delivery and Curbside Service and Construction, will allow businesses that can provide delivery and curbside pickup services to resume operations from Monday to Friday.
Home and hardware stores, nurseries and auto parts stores will be allowed to open five days of the week with online curbside and delivery services. Construction on New Providence will resume from Monday to Friday.
This phase will also allow relaxation of the exercise restrictions.
Phase 2, Expanding Operations, will see business operations resume on Family Islands with no COVID-19 presence. It will also increase the number of businesses allowed to operate curbside and delivery services.
Service, healthcare and manufacturing companies that can ensure social distancing will also be allowed to reopen.
During this phase, people will be allowed to attend church services so long as social distancing can be ensured. Exercise restrictions will also be further relaxed.
Phase 3, Beginning the New Normal, will allow the opening of non-essential businesses with only the workers essential for the businesses to function. Protocols and staff training will be required. Additionally, the number of customers allowed in stores will be limited.
This phase will also see limited educational operations, such as the sitting of national exams. Restrictions on weddings, funerals and social gatherings will be relaxed, and beaches and parks will be reopened with social distancing still required.
Restaurants, cultural facilities, gyms, cinemas and entertainment facilities will be allowed to reopen during Phase 4, Moving Forward. However, businesses will have to ensure social distancing protocols are in place, and customers will be required to wear masks.
Offices will be allowed to open during this phase with social distancing measures in place. Hair and nail salons will be able to open with the use of PPE. Educational operations will be expanded with social distancing protocols.
Domestic travel will be allowed to begin with strict screening measures. Group exercise with social distancing will also be allowed to resume during this phase.
Phase 5, Restarting Tourism and Opening the Borders, will see the resumption of international travel with strict safety protocols.
Hotels and other tourism businesses will be allowed to reopen with safety protocols. Public transportation will be resumed and restrictions on movement lifted.
The post PM unveils reopening plan appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.
source https://thenassauguardian.com/2020/04/28/pm-unveils-reopening-plan/
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