NASSAU, Bahamas, July 21, 2020 — Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis has announced a two-week lockdown for Grand Bahama from Thursday including a shutdown of all flights and sea vessels (except for essential goods) following the surge of COVID-19 cases there, The Tribune reported on July 21.
Making the announcement outside Parliament on Tuesday morning, Dr Minnis said the lockdown will take effect beginning Thursday, at 7pm until Friday, August 7 at 5am. At 6pm tonight all domestic flights in and out of Grand Bahama will cease.
During the lockdown, food stores will be allowed to operate Monday to Friday from 7am to 5pm.
Pharmacies, water depots and gas stations will be allowed to operate Monday to Friday from 7am to 1pm for the general public.
The Grand Bahama Humane Society and waste disposal and sanitation companies will be permitted to open Monday to Friday 7am to 1pm for the general public.
Food stores, pharmacies, gas stations and water depots will be allowed to operate on Saturdays 7am to 1pm for essential workers only.
Construction activities related to hurricane preparedness are permitted, but permission to buy supplies will be on an emergency basis only once the lockdown begins. Religious services must be virtual.
Dr Minnis said you may only leave home in an emergency or if you are an essential worker.
The Prime Minister added that the government will do all it can to help those in need during this lockdown. Food vouchers are to be be distributed and police and Defence Force will be in place using PPEs as needed.
Dr Minnis said the lockdown is absolutely necessary, saying “today, we are in a an emergency situation.”
