NASSAU, Bahamas — The deadly worldwide COVID-19 pandemic has apparently spawned a growing mask-making industry in The Bahamas among local “seamstresses and tailors” that has resulted in Prime Minister the Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis announcing a ban on the importation of non-medical masks.
In a press release on Thursday, April 9, the Office of the Prime Minister announced that importation of non-medical protective face masks will be prohibited, effective 8 a.m. Friday, April 10, 2020.
Noting that the ban “does not apply to the importation of medical-grade masks for health care workers,” the press release quoted Prime Minister Minnis as saying, “The move is an effort to protect the local mask manufacturing industry that has sprung up overnight as a result of the COVID-19 virus.”
“We are working to protect and encourage small businesses and to create and promote jobs,” the Prime Minister said. “I am happy to see so many seamstresses and tailors involved in this growing industry.”
The press release added: “All mask orders made before Friday 10 April will be allowed. Proof of the date that masks were ordered is required. Orders of 10 masks or less for personal use are also allowed. Requests for special exemptions may be made in writing to the Competent Authority, Office of the Prime Minister.
As the government continues its proactive approach to addressing the impact of COVID-19 on the country, Bahamians generally have been confined to their homes over the Easter weekend as a result of a nationwide lockdown that began at 9 p.m. on Wednesday an will last until 5 a.m. next Tuesday, April 14.
Announcing the lockdown on Monday, Prime Minister Minnis said such strong measures were needed because some people did not listen to warnings to take the COVID-19 threat seriously. The government had earlier introduced an Emergency Powers (COVID-19) (No.2)(Amendment), which imposed a 24-hour curfew in the country, with certain essential workers being exempted.
Although the lockdown ends next Tuesday, the Emergency Powers (COVID-19) Regulations remain in effect until April 30.
