NASSAU, Bahamas — In his address to the nation on Sunday, May 3, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis announced that effective Monday, May 4, Phase 1B in reopening of the economy will begin.
According to The Tribune, one of The Bahamas’ leading newspapers, among other things, this means that businesses that can provide delivery and curbside pickup will be able to operate from Monday through Friday from 8am-5pm; In addition to their current open days, home and hardware stores, plant nurseries and auto stores can expand to a five-day delivery and curbside operation; and businesses must be able to demonstrate their existing capabilities to take orders by phone or online and acknowledgment of receipts. Gloves and other protocols must be used in the handling and delivery of goods and interaction with customers.
Additionally, construction is now permitted on New Providence and Grand Bahama “with industry protocols and the use of personal protective equipment, physical distancing, cleaning and other measures from Monday to Friday – 7am to 5pm,” according to The Tribune.
The Prime Minister also announced that “normal commercial activity can resume from tomorrow (Monday, May 4) on Ragged Island, Rum Cay, Mayaguana, Inagua, Crooked Island, Acklins and Long Cay, adding that physical distancing and other safety protocols must be practiced. However, border restrictions remain in place on these islands – except for emergencies approved by the Civil Aviation Authority. Curfew restrictions remain in place.
With regards to the American permanent residents who were allowed into the country to bring COVID-19 test kits last week, the Prime Minister said that it “was, in fact, six people (all related) who were allowed to disembark – not the previously stated two,” according to The Tribune.
“All have tested negative for COVID-19 and are under mandatory 14-day quarantine,” The Tribune reported, adding the Ministry of Health will issue a statement on the issue on Monday.
Meanwhile, there were no new confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of Sunday. “As it stands, there are 67 cases in New Providence, seven in Grand Bahama, eight in Bimini and one in Cat Cay – 83 in total,” the Tribune reported. Here’s a link to the Prime Minister’s national address on Sunday: https://www.facebook.com/HAMinnis/videos/2325621051068873/
