NASSAU, Bahamas, April 3, 2020 – In an address to the nation Friday afternoon, Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis ordered a complete shutdown of all services, with limited exemptions. The order will come into effect tonight (Friday) at 8 p.m. and expire on Monday at 5 a.m.
The only personnel not included in this order are staff at Doctor’s Hospital, Princess Margaret Hospital, members of the Royal Bahamas Police Force and Royal Bahamas Defence Force, the Nassau Guardian reported.
Additionally, the Prime Minister said security companies, some hotel workers and essential staff at Bahamas Power and Light and Water and Sewerage Corporation are also exempt. The Prime Minister said the ferries that operate between the islands are also restricted from operating during this period.
At 5 a.m. on Monday, the previous 24-hour curfew will be back in effect, the Prime Minister said.
“There are still too many people on the road going out and about,” Dr. Minnis said, during a press conference at the Ministry of Health. “Unfortunately, some people are not taking this matter seriously.”
In its report on the press conference, The Tribune said that Minister of Health Dr Duane Sands, who spoke after the Prime Minister, emphasised the importance of trying to ensure healthcare workers are not exposed to the virus, as that diminishes the ability of the health system to respond.
Noting that five of the 24 confirmed cases of COVID-19 are healthcare workers, Dr. Sands said another 50 have been taken out of the system and are in quarantine.
