Declaring that the “beginning of the end” of the COVID-19 pandemic is near, Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis yesterday announced the relaxation of a number of restrictions for the holiday season.
From December 24 to January 3, 2021, on Abaco, Eleuthera, Exuma, Grand Bahama and New Providence, church and religious services will be permitted to conduct services past curfew hours – after 10 p.m. – to accommodate midnight mass, watch-night services and other liturgical services, Minnis said during a national address.
Minnis said retailers will also be allowed to open on Sunday, December 13 and Sunday, December 21, to provide services between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. He said this provision applies for New Providence and Abaco.
“To be clear, the special provisions for the Christmas season that I have just outlined apply only to islands where the daily 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. curfew and certain other public health protection measures are still in place,” he said.
“All other islands may continue as presently provided for in the emergency powers order.”
Between December 24 and January 3, 2021, Minnis said social gatherings may take place with a maximum of 10 people.
This provision applies for the islands of New Providence, Abaco, Exuma and Eleuthera.
“Effective tomorrow, Monday December 7, gyms in New Providence and Abaco may resume operations in accordance with Ministry of Health approved guidelines,” Minnis continued.
“Also, effective tomorrow, Monday, December 7, the quarantine presently in place for travelers leaving New Providence to go to the Family Islands will be lifted.
“Travelers from New Providence and Grand Bahama to the rest of The Bahamas will be required to obtain the travel visa, to complete the daily health questionnaire and take the rapid antigen test on the fifth day after their travel.
“This is the same protocol in place for international travelers to The Bahamas.
“Additionally, the requirement for people traveling from Exuma to the remainder of The Bahamas to take an RT-PCR test will be removed.
“The requirement for an RT-PCR test for travelers from New Providence and Grand Bahama to the remainder of The Bahamas will remain in place.
“Also, effective Monday, December 7, 2020, Exuma and Eleuthera may resume in-person church services following the health guidelines of the Bahamas Christian Council and approved by the Ministry of Health.”
Walmart can wait
In recent weeks, there has been a marked decrease in confirmed COVID-19 cases, particularly on New Providence, which has been the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Bahamas has seen a total of 7,579 cases of COVID-19. There are 5,998 recovered cases, 1,359 active cases and 163 COVID-19 deaths. A total of 12 people are in hospital with COVID-19, none of whom are in the ICU.
The daily numbers, frequently in the single digits, have been among the lowest the country has seen since early July, when a second wave of infections began.
That wave was largely attributed by government officials to Bahamians who traveled abroad.
Yesterday, Minnis continued to urge Bahamians not to leave the country unless necessary.
“Due to the high COVID-19 numbers in many countries, I also still recommend that you not travel outside of The Bahamas at this time unless for an emergency,” he said.
“Walmart can wait. Do not loosen up your discipline.”
Minnis said that while the end is in sight, Bahamians must remain diligent until a vaccine has been widely distributed.
“Just as we have entered Advent in preparation for Christmas, there is new hope and a dawning light,” he said.
“Thanks to promising news on vaccines, the beginning of the end of the pandemic is near. Developed countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States are on track to start vaccinations this month.
“But, during this period before vaccines arrive here, we must work extra hard to keep our numbers down, so that we can continue to restart our economy and to welcome tourists.”
Minnis added, “Just as we fought hard to get to this place by aggressively battling a difficult second wave, we must work just as hard to guard this success. It is essential that we stay the course and continue to maintain our new case numbers as we await the vaccine.”
The post PM eases restrictions appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.
source https://thenassauguardian.com/pm-eases-restrictions-3/
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