Bahamas government announces new COVID protocols

The Bahamas government has announced new COVID-19 health protocols, which would come into effect from 26 July 2021, as per to which a daily curfew will be imposed from 10 pm to 5 am for the New Providence, Grand Bahama and North and South Eleuthera, Harbour islands.

Bahamas: The Bahamas government has announced new COVID-19 health protocols, which would come into effect from 26 July 2021, as per to which a daily curfew will be imposed from 10 pm to 5 am for the New Providence, Grand Bahama and North and South Eleuthera, Harbour islands. 

The decision was taken to control the spread of the deadly COVID-19 mutant. As per the new health protocols, RT PCR testing would now be needed for travellers who are not fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 mutant for travel from New Providence, Grand Bahama and North and South Eleuthera, including Harbour Island.

As per the new COVID-19 health protocols, the following are the changes that will take place on New Providence and Grand Bahama – 

  • The Religious worship services would now be limited to 1 hour and must be conducted according to Bahamas Christian Council health guidelines approved by the Ministry of Health. The capacity of religious facilities would be limited to 33 per cent.
  •  Funeral and cremation services would be permitted at the graveside only; Cremation services are allowed outdoors and are limited to 1 hour. 
  • Burial and funeral services would only be limited to 30 people, excluding the officiant and funeral home workers, while repasts(meals) are not allowed.
  • Marriages would be limited to 30 people and maybe carried indoors or outdoors. Wedding receptions would be permitted on the condition that they are held outdoors and are limited to 30 people.
  • In regard to recreational and sporting actives, exercise groups would be limited to 10 people, recreational sporting activity is not allowed, professional athletes are permitted to train, group gathering on beaches & parks would be limited to 5 people only, summer camps and associated activities would be prohibited, and gyms and movie theatres will be limited to 33 per cent occupancy.
  • Outdoor dining and takeaway services may continue at restaurants. Indoor dining may continue provided that all persons are fully vaccinated, and the capacity of the indoor area is limited to 33 per cent, loitering in groups outside of restaurants and Fish Frys would be prohibited. These restrictions do not apply to hotel properties.
  •  Spas would not be allowed to operate, including for massages, waxing, threading and facials.
  •  For all islands of the Bahamas, social gatherings and persons carrying out political campaigning will be limited to groups of 5 people provided that all persons are fully vaccinated.

The government has further informed the citizens to note that the operation of a bar, night club and any cultural or entertainment facility remains prohibited.