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Last Updated: Jun 28, 2020 - 6:16:46 PM |
National Address by Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis
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National Address
The Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis Prime Minister
Sunday, 28 June 2020 3:00 P.M.
My Fellow Bahamians and Residents: Good afternoon.
I thought it essential to address the nation as we are about to enter during the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic.
Most of our country and economy have reopened, though, with certain necessary restrictions. Our phased reopening continues.
Effective tomorrow, Monday, June 29th, 2020, beaches and parks will reopen on New Providence, Paradise Island, Grand Bahama and Bimini.
Like the phased re-opening of our economy, the tourism sector is also being re-opened in phases.
Fifty percent of our GDP is derived from tourism, which employs directly and indirectly up to 60 percent of our working population.
The first phase of the re-opening of international tourism began on the 15th of June with the re-opening of our international borders to private aviation, yachts and pleasure craft.
On Wednesday the 1st of July 2020, we will enter into Phase 2 of the Tourism Plan when our international borders will re-open for international commercial flights.
Also, this coming Wednesday:
- hotels and vacation rentals which may have been closed,
may reopen.
- taxi services may resume based on guidelines in the Ministry of Tourism a Readiness & Recovery Plan;
- Private and public bus services may resume, with 50 percent occupancy based on guidelines in the Ministry of Plan;
Fellow Bahamians and Residents:
I wish to advise you of a number of specific areas of
Emergency Powers (COVID 19) Orders.
For the avoidance of doubt, the following touristic components remain closed until expressly permitted as part of the phased reopening: attractions; excursions and tours; vendors, including straw vendors; and Jet Ski operators.
On July 13th, attractions and excursions and tours may reopen.
On July 27th, vendors, including straw vendors may reopen and Jet Ski operators may recommence operations.
Masks are to be worn by all persons, Bahamians, residents and visitors, entering and exiting our beaches.
Please be reminded, gatherings on the beaches of more than five persons are strictly prohibited. This will result in a fine under the Emergency Orders.
Our enforcement teams will be monitoring this risk closely.
Mass gatherings may result in the immediate closure of the respective beach.
Additionally, depending on the results of the beaches monitoring during this upcoming week, we will make a determination on whether the beaches will remain opened or closed on the Independence Holiday weekend.
These measures are for the ongoing protection and safety of Bahamians and residents.
Fellow Bahamians and residents,
Let me note the following entry requirements for The Bahamas.
- It remains the case that persons will be required to undergo an RTPCR COVID 19 molecular diagnostic test administered by an accredited lab prior to returning The Bahamas.
- Effective 7th July, the results of the RTPCR COVID 19 test must have been taken no later than seven days prior to the date of arrival. Until that date, tests that have been taken no later than 10 days prior to travel will continue to be accepted. We have made the window of time for testing shorter for the protection of Bahamians and residents...
to continue see attached
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