Bahamas: Authorities to ease some COVID-19 measures during lockdown in New Providence from August 19 /update 13

Event

Prime Minister Hubert Minnis announced on Tuesday, August 18, that some coronavirus disease (COVID-19) restrictions would be eased during the complete lockdown in New Providence following public feedback and protests. The easing of restrictions will be in effect from Wednesday, August 19. Under the eased restrictions, grocery stores, pharmacies, water depots, gas stations and, hardware stores will be permitted to reopen from 06:00 - 21:00 (local time), in addition to food manufactures and wholesalers.

The Bahamas government announced on Monday, August 17, that a complete lockdown will be in effect on New Providence until August 25 following the continued rise in COVID-19 cases on the island. Under the tightened restrictions, all non-essential movement is prohibited and residents are expected to remain in their homes, with only essential health and government services continuing to operate. Flights and ferry services to the island will also be suspended during this period. Those undertaking essential travel are required to seek prior permission from the local police.

The lockdown on the island of Grand Bahama has also been extended by a week until August 25, with the current restrictions remaining unchanged. Essential services and businesses are permitted to open Monday - Friday between 07:00 and 17:00 (local time). Essential workers will be permitted an additional day to access these goods on Saturdays between 07:00 and 18:00.

As of August 18, health authorities have confirmed a total of 1329 COVID-19 cases with 19 associated deaths in the country. Further 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). Since then, human-to-human transmission of the virus has been confirmed.

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

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and tiredness. Some patients may experience other symptoms such as body pains, nasal congestion, headache, conjunctivitis, sore throat, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell or a rash on skin or discoloration of fingers or toes. These symptoms (in most cases mild) appear gradually. Generally, most patients (around 80 percent) recover from the disease without being hospitalized.

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.