Bahamas: Authorities loosen COVID-19 restrictions on several islands, but curfew remains as of Jan. 22 /update 29

Event

As of Jan. 22, authorities in the Bahamas have loosened some restrictions on businesses and gatherings on the islands of New Providence, Abaco, Exuma, and Eleuthera under the nation's ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) response. However, the 2200-0500 curfew in these islands and Grand Bahama will remain in place until further notice; there are no curfews being enforced 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 remain unchanged.

Under the new orders in New Providence, Abaco, Exuma, and Eleuthera, funeral services (graveside only) and wedding ceremonies at religious facilities are now permitted with a maximum of 20 people in attendance (up from 10). Funeral repasts and wedding receptions are still prohibited. Additionally, in New Providence and Abaco effective Jan. 24, pharmacies, gas stations, laundromats, and restaurants (for outdoor dining only), will be allowed to operate on Sundays between 0600-2100 as well, instead of only Monday-Saturday.

All other varied restrictions remain largely unchanged as of Jan. 22:

Measures in Eleuthera and Exuma
In both 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. Church services are limited to 0600-2100 daily subject to health protocols. Restaurants in Eleuthera may open for indoor and outdoor dining at 50-percent capacity, while restaurants in Exuma may only open for outdoor dining at 50-percent capacity. Beach visits are permitted between 0500-2200 with groups no larger than five people. All nonessential domestic travel to and from the affected islands will remain suspended as long as the special measures are in place.

Second Schedule Islands
In addition to the curfew and a ban on all social gatherings, other measures in place in New Providence and Abaco are:

• 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.

• Everyone should work from home if possible.

• Approved businesses may operate 0600-2100 Monday-Saturday; grocery stores, and more recently, pharmacies, gas stations, and laundromats, may operate 0600-2100 daily.

• Schools are closed to in-person teaching.

• Cultural and entertainment facilities, spas and gyms, and craft markets remain closed, and all festivals are prohibited.

• Beaches visits are permitted with a maximum of five people per group.

• Exercise is permitted in one's immediate neighborhood 0500-2200; group exercise is to be limited to a maximum of 10 people.

• Weddings and graveside funerals are limited to 20 people in attendance only. Wedding receptions, wakes, and repasts are not permitted.

• Worship services are permitted 0600-2100 on weekdays and 0700-1300 on weekends. Churches may also offer individual/private prayer during the week.

• Persons traveling from New Providence to the Family Islands no longer need to quarantine but must provide a negative PCR taken up to five days before travel.

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 0500-2000 daily. Wedding receptions and funeral repasts are prohibited.

International Travel
The Bahamas has reopened to all international travel; 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.

• Since Nov. 14, travelers have been 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.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.

Resources

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