Three days after he signed an amendment to emergency powers regulations, which required patrons of hotel restaurants who were not guests of the hotel to present a negative COVID-19 RT PCR test, Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis signed a new amendment yesterday allowing for a negative rapid antigen test result to also be used.
The move came amid backlash over the order that was dated and signed on Christmas Day.
The amended order reads: “Any person who is not a current guest at a hotel or other commercial accommodation situate in an island specified in the Second Schedule, shall be required to submit a negative COVID-19 RT PCR molecular diagnostic test result or a negative COVID-19 antigen test result in order to check in as a guest or utilize any indoor facility on the hotel premises including restaurants, casinos, etc.”
It added, “A person who is not a guest at a hotel or other commercial accommodation situate in an island specified in the Second Schedule, shall not be required to submit a negative COVID-19 RT PCR molecular diagnostic test result or a negative COVID-19 rapid antigen test result in order to utilize any outdoor facility once the person does not enter the hotel or other commercial accommodations in order to access the outdoor facility.”
According to the order, the rapid antigen test shall be valid for a period of five days from the date on which the test was taken except during the period of Monday, December 28, 2020, to Monday, January 4, 2021.
During that time, results are valid for a period of seven days from the date on which the test was taken.
Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Leader Philip Davis called the initial amendment heartless, redundant and mean-spirited.
“I note the irony of the signing on Christmas Day – on this festive occasion marked by celebration, joy and the delivery of gifts – the prime minister delivered a gift of bad news,” Davis said in a statement.
Baha Mar has reopened its doors to locals and requires patrons to make reservations online and provide negative results of a rapid antigen test no older than five days.
Some local restaurants have decided to facilitate rapid antigen testing at their establishment.
In a Facebook post yesterday, Latitudes restaurant announced, “If you are not in possession of a valid COVID-19 test, we have set up a rapid testing facility on property. Testing is free, however, we advise to arrive 20 minutes before your time of reservation.”
The post PM changes order for hotel dining twice since Christmas Day appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.
source https://thenassauguardian.com/pm-changes-order-for-hotel-dining-twice-since-christmas-day/
No comments:
Post a Comment