Bahamas: Authorities continue enforcing localized COVID-19-related curfews and ban all travel from Haiti as of March 17 /update 31

Event

As of March 17, authorities in the Bahamas continue to enforce COVID-19-related restrictions and locally varied curfews across several islands. The curfews are being enforced 2300-0500 in Grand Bahama, 22:00-05:00 in New Providence, Exuma, and Eleuthera, and 20:00-05:00 in Abaco. The curfew will be shortened to end at 04:00 on all affected islands April 4 for the Easter holiday. There are no curfews in place elsewhere. All measures on the remaining islands, as well as nationwide requirements to adhere to social distancing and sanitization protocols and to wear a facemask in public, will remain in place indefinitely.

Enhanced Local Measures
Stricter measures are being enforced in New Providence, Abaco, and mainland Eleuthera and Exuma. Social gatherings are banned; attendance at weddings and funerals (graveside only) is limited to 20 people; receptions and repasts are prohibited. Additional operating requirements and restrictions are also being enforced for nonessential businesses, religious establishments, and beach visits, and some entertainment and spa facilities remain closed. In New Providence and Abaco, any person who intends to check in as a guest or make use of indoor hotel facilities, including restaurants and casinos, must present a negative COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or antigen test in order to use the facilities.

Persons traveling from New Providence and Abaco to other islands in the Bahamas must provide a negative PCR test taken before travel. All nonessential domestic travel to and from the Eleuthera and Exuma will remain suspended as long as special measures are in place in these areas.

First Schedule Islands
Normal commercial activity and most social activities have resumed on all remaining islands, including Grand Bahama and the Family Islands of Acklins, Andros, Berry Islands, Bimini, Cat Island, Crooked Island, Eleuthera, Exuma, Inagua, and Mayaguana, as well as Chub Cay, Long Cay, Long Island, Harbour Island, Ragged Island, Rum Cay, San Salvador, and Spanish Wells. Operating protocols are in place for some industries. Church services, funerals, and weddings may proceed, but physical-distancing protocols must be followed and individuals must wear facemasks. Social gatherings are limited to 20 people.

Stricter measures are in place in Grand Bahama, which is classified under the First Schedule, including the long-standing curfew. Beaches may open 05:00-20:00 daily. Wedding receptions and funeral repasts are prohibited.

International Travel
Officials have extended the entry ban for all vessels and persons from Haiti through at least April 13. Except for travel with Haiti, international travel is continuing; entry requirements related to the COVID-19 pandemic are still in place:

• Travelers over the age of 10 must present a negative COVID-19 test certificate taken no more than five days before travel and apply for a Travel Health Visa. Travelers who fail to present these documents will be denied entry.

• Persons visiting the country for more than four nights/five days will be required to take a rapid COVID-19 antigen test on day five.

• Travelers are required to opt-in to COVID-19 health insurance, as part of the Travel Health Visa application.

All measures are subject to amendment at short notice.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.

Resources

WHO coronavirus knowledge base
Government COVID-19 Protocols
Bahamas Travel Health Visa Application