NASSAU, The Bahamas – The Bahamas is moving into another stage of re-opening its economy during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic amid warnings that nationals and visitors alike could be fined as much as $1,000 for failing to wear a mask in public.
“Minnis” The government is also appealing to nationals to remain in the country for fear of bringing about a new wave of the virus (COVID-19) if they should leave and then return.
Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis, in a radio and television broadcast late last month, defended the decision to re-open the local economy from July 1, saying 50 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) is derived from tourism, which employs directly and indirectly up to 60 percent of the working population.
He said the first phase of the re-opening of international tourism began on June 15 with the re-opening of the international borders to private aviation, yachts and pleasure craft.
MASKS
“Masks are to be worn by all persons, Bahamians, residents and visitors, entering and exiting our beaches,” the prime minister explained. “Please be reminded, gatherings on the beaches of more than five persons are strictly prohibited. This will result in a fine under the Emergency Orders.”
Minnis said the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Tourism will collaborate with and assist the Royal Bahamas Police Force, reiterating that persons not wearing face masks could be fined $200 or sentenced one month imprisonment - or both.
“Additionally, we have already made it an offense for a business establishment to allow patrons to enter or remain in that establishment without a mask,” Minnis said.
“The fine for this offense on the first occurrence will be $500 and on the second occurrence the fine will be $1,000. On the third occurrence of this offense, the business establishment may be temporarily closed or required to pay a greater level of fines.”
REQUIREMENTS
Minnis said various requirements have been put in place for people entering the country.
“It remains the case that persons will be required to undergo an RTPCR COVID 19 molecular diagnostic test administered by an accredited lab prior to returning The Bahamas,” he said. “Effective 7th July, the results of the RTPCR COVID 19 test must have been taken no later than seven days prior to the date of arrival. Until that date, tests that have been taken no later than 10 days prior to travel will continue to be accepted.
“We have made the window of time for testing shorter for the protection of Bahamians and residents. Bahamians and residents returning to The Bahamas from countries where they cannot obtain the COVID 19 RTPCR test, may be permitted entry. We want our people to be able to return home. However, they must clearly demonstrate that the test was unavailable.
“They will also be subject to mandatory quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in The Bahamas. Bahamians and residents who have departed from The Bahamas and are returning after a period of 72 hours or less are not required to undergo a RTPCR COVID 19 test,” Minnis added.
CAUTION
The prime minister told the nation his administration had decided on re-opening the economy after careful deliberations.
“We are re-opening because we must carefully balance the health, economic and social needs of our people in order to secure our country in the medium- and long-term,” Minnis said.
“We have to re-open to get more Bahamians back to work and to get businesses and the economy back to work.
“Like a number of other countries, we are reopening because we have been successful in arresting the community spread of COVID-19 in The Bahamas.”
Minnis said he also wanted to make “a very strong plea to Bahamians and residents considering or planning to travel overseas for nonessential travel — to not go overseas at this time.
“If you are thinking of traveling for non-essential or nonemergency reasons, please, I beg you, stay at home at this time.
“… If you travel to these areas and go to malls, shops, restaurants and other establishments you might catch the virus. You could bring the virus home and community spread could start again,” Minnis warned.
