The Country Moves to Phase 1b
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In an address to the nation on Sunday, Prime Minister Hubert Minnis said the progress from 1 to 1b begins Monday 4th, due to the progress the country is making in the fight against COVID-19.
He said, “Phase 1b focuses on delivery and curbside service and construction. This phased re-opening is aimed at striking the right balance between permitting some further level of commerce to resume while still maintaining a vigilant national position promoting physical distancing and reinforcing the health and safety precautions necessary to mitigate community spread of COVID-19.”
Minnis said the objective of the first phase is to stimulate businesses through economic activity and to meet needs important to the population during this health crisis.
On Monday, businesses that can provide goods and services through delivery and curbside pickup will be able to do so Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Construction on New Providence and Grand Bahama will be allowed to operate from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Home and hardware stores, plant nurseries and auto parts stores may expand to 5-day online delivery and curbside services if they have the capacity.
This is in addition to the in-store days those stores are currently allowed to operate.
“For example, home and hardware stores that are allowed to offer in-store services on Wednesdays and Fridays, may now offer delivery and curbside services Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.
They may also offer delivery and curbside services during their in-store operating days. Businesses must be able to demonstrate existing capabilities to take orders by phone or online and acknowledgement of receipt. 9 Businesses should use gloves and other protocols in handling and delivery of goods and interaction with customers,” Minnis said.
He said construction will now be permitted on New Providence and Grand Bahama with industry protocols that cover transportation, the use of Personal Protective Equipment, physical distancing, cleaning and disinfecting protective measures and other measures.
Professional athletes will also be allowed to resume training under Phase 1b.
Minnis said proper physical distancing and sanitizing measures must be practiced at all times.
