COVID-19 restrictions have further relaxed and just in time for the Christmas holidays.
In a national address, Prime Minister the Most Honourable Dr. Hubert Minnis on Sunday announced that from December 24 to January 3, 2021, church and religious services may be held after 10:00p.m. to accommodate midnight mass, watch-night and other liturgical services on New Providence, Grand Bahama, Abaco, Eleuthera and Exuma
Social gatherings can also now take place on these islands with a maximum of 10 people.
Retailers on New Providence and Abaco have also been given leeway to operate on Sunday, December 13th and Sunday, December 20th between the hours of 6:00am and 9:00pm.
Monday, December 7 also signaled the reopening of gyms on the two islands “in accordance with the Ministry of Health guidelines.”.
The quarantine in place for travelers leaving New Providence to head to the Family Islands has to 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.
The prime minister said such changes are to stabilise economic recovery and for an aggressive response to the public’s social needs.
However he stressed that 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,” he said.
The Prime Minister continues to urge the public to observe the proper health and safety measures during the festive season.
“It is important that all residents on every island continue to practice the COVID-19 prevention guidelines. Wear your mask. Practice physical distancing. Wash your hands thoroughly and often. Avoid large gatherings” he said.
