Bahamas: Authorities to close borders to US travelers due to COVID-19 from July 22 /update 7

Event

Bahamian authorities announced that the country's borders will be closed to US travelers from Wednesday, July 22, due to the recent spike in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in the US. Any Americans still on the islands will be allowed to leave after that date under special accommodations.

On July 1, the Bahamian government reopened the country's borders to international tourists, following its closure due to COVID-19. Since July 7, arrivals must provide a negative test result that is no more than seven days old. Travelers must also upload an electronic Health Visa prior to departure. There will be no quarantine period for arrivals, but those that show symptoms may be subjected to further testing. Several major airlines have announced that they would resume services to the Bahamas in early July.

As of Sunday, July 19, 153 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the Bahamas, 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.