PM eases restrictions

Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis yesterday announced changes to the curfew on a number of islands, as well as the relaxation of restrictions on social gatherings, weddings and funerals.

The curfew for New Providence has moved from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.; it is now 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.

The curfew for Abaco is now also 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.

On Grand Bahama, the curfew now begins at midnight, as opposed to 11 p.m., and is in place until 5 a.m.

North and Central Andros and Cat Island’s curfew was changed to 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Both islands were locked down last month after a sharp uptick in COVID cases, but have since seen a reduction in the number of new cases in recent weeks.

South Andros, inclusive of Mangrove Cay, and the Berry Islands, no longer has a curfew.

PCR tests are no longer required for travel out of Andros, Cat Island and Grand Bahama.

Travel visa fees will also be eliminated for fully vaccinated residents who are returning to The Bahamas as of July 1.

Minnis also relaxed restrictions for weddings and funerals, effective immediately.

On New Providence, funeral and memorial services will now be permitted in a church or other indoor facility in accordance with Bahamas Christian Council guidelines approved by the Ministry of Health.

There is no requirement to be fully vaccinated. Masks and physical distancing are still required.

“Please note, repasts are still not permitted on New Providence and Paradise Island, Grand Bahama, mainland Abaco, Eleuthera, Harbour Island, and Great [Exuma] and Little Exuma,” the prime minister said.

“The number of people allowed to gather in groups on beaches and parks will be increased from five to 15 on New Providence and Paradise Island, Grand Bahama, mainland Abaco, Eleuthera, Harbour Island, and Great and Little Exuma.”

The Bahamas has been under a state of emergency since March 2020, after the first COVID-19 case was confirmed in the country.

The state of emergency allows for the competent authority (the prime minister) to implement measures in an effort to control the spread of COVID-19, including curfews, lockdowns and restrictions on travel and businesses.

Perks

Minnis said yesterday he hopes the country will be able to fully reopen “in several months”, as he noted a number of additional perks for fully vaccinated individuals.

Earlier this month, he announced plans for a “vaccination day”, where fully vaccinated individuals will be able to enjoy activities that are currently prohibited, including happy hour at restaurants and bars. He also suggested that the curfew could be adjusted for vaccinated individuals. 

However, he said yesterday that a date has not been determined for vaccination day.

“I envision that this will take place once health officials determine that a sufficient number of the eligible population has been vaccinated,” he said.

Minnis said fully vaccinated people may take part in private gatherings, both in their homes and elsewhere, so long as everyone in attendance is fully vaccinated.

Wedding receptions are also permitted on New Providence and Grand Bahama, provided that all attendees are fully vaccinated.

“You can interpret that,” he said.

“The young people will interpret it [as] ‘party on’. But you can interpret that.”

The hosts of wedding receptions, private gatherings and other social events will be responsible for verifying that guests are fully vaccinated.

“Hosts and guests will be subject to fines for non-compliance,” the prime minister said.

“COVID-19 ambassadors will continue to carry out patrols to reinforce adherence to emergency orders.”

Minnis also announced entertainment groups and artists, including bands, Junkanoo groups, dance troupes and acting groups, may perform at activities permitted under the emergency order, provided that all performers are fully vaccinated.

Fully vaccinated individuals were already permitted to dine indoors and travel domestically and internationally without undergoing a PCR test.

“Our aim is to fully reopen in several months if various conditions are met and advised by health officials,” Minnis said.

“As always, we will continue to follow the science and consult with our health team on how best to move forward.”

The prime minister again urged Bahamians to get vaccinated.

He said that as of Saturday, 54,199 people had received at least one dose of the vaccine so far in The Bahamas, while 25,047 people had received both doses.

An additional 2,682 people have been vaccinated in the United States, he said.

Minnis said the second phase of the rollout of the vaccine in the Family Islands is already underway. 

“We are grateful to the US Embassy and to the Rhode Island National Guard for generously donating aircraft and pilots to transport the vaccines, health teams and volunteers to and from our many islands,” he said.

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source https://thenassauguardian.com/pm-eases-restrictions-5/