Bahamas: State of emergency extended until May 30 /update 5

Event

Bahamian authorities announced on Monday, April 27, that the current state of emergency will be extended until Saturday, May 30, due to the ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Under the state of emergency, all nonessential businesses are temporarily closed, while markets, banks, pharmacies, gas stations, and other businesses will operate at reduced hours. A 24-hour curfew remains in effect, while a total lockdown, including the prohibition of all travel and the closure of all shops, continues on weekends until Saturday, May 30.

Additionally, Bahamian authorities previously released a food shopping schedule that took effect on April 6, providing the days and times of the week in which the public can go shopping for food based on the first letter of their last name. Individuals with disabilities and persons of 60 years of age or older have been given an additional window on Tuesdays from 06:00 to 12:00 (local time), as well as the days and times assigned to their surnames. The full food shopping schedule can be seen on this website. Authorities continue to advise each household to identify a single shopper, who is required to carry photo identification to show proof of their last name

As of Wednesday, April 29, 80 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed, with 11 associated fatalities. Further international spread of the virus is expected in the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and trouble breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.