$300 fine for attending social gatherings

Individuals who attend social gatherings in violation of health protocols are liable to a fine of $300, according to the latest emergency order.

The host of that gathering will be liable to a fine of $2,000 and $300 for each attendee.

Social gatherings are prohibited on Abaco, Eleuthera, Exuma, New Providence and Paradise Island.

They are permitted on the remaining Family Islands, the Abaco cays and the Exuma cays.

However, gatherings are not permitted to exceed 20 people on those islands.

Commissioner of Police Paul Rolle said that police are seeing fewer incidents where people are gathering for parties or other social gatherings.

“At some point, people will get the message that what they are doing, those things are wrong,” Rolle said on November 3.

“I must commend the community because it seems to me that finally the message is getting through and we have seen fewer of these breaches with persons having parties and those loud social gatherings.”

On Tuesday, videos showing a rowdy scene as officers closed Charms lounge in Centreville was circulated on social media. The videos showed scores of patrons pouring out of the establishment as officers ordered them out. 

The emergency order put in place in an effort to curb COVID-19 strictly prohibits bars and clubs from operating on New Providence, although restaurants may open for takeout, drive-thru, curbside and outdoor dining.

Days before, another video — showing scores of maskless people partying on Bimini — went viral. People were shown crowded together, dancing, drinking and socializing without masks.

The commissioner said the organizers of that party and some partygoers were issued citations and a second planned party on the island was prevented from happening.

On November 16, Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis expressed concern with the hosting of parties across The Bahamas.

“Those who are being irresponsible and partaking in parties and other events, they are jeopardizing not only the future of The Bahamas but they are jeopardizing the future jobs of their own neighbors, sisters, etc., at Atlantis and others, because if we experience great problems, then they themselves will be comprising,” Minnis said.

“…So, you must think not of yourself but think about your country and what you are doing.”

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source https://thenassauguardian.com/300-fine-for-attending-social-gatherings/