Six More Fly Through Closed Border
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Prime Minister Hubert Minnis revealed additional entries after border closure due to COVID-19
Six other individuals entered the Bahamian border after it closed due to the emergency order.
Speaking at a national address on Sunday, Prime Minister Hubert Minnis said, “I wish to advise that over the emergency period, a total of six other persons, comprised of two Bahamian citizens, one permanent resident and three work permit holders, being skilled technicians contracted to conduct specialized emergency work for utility services, were permitted to enter the Bahamas.”
The government has received criticism for permitting entry through the border after its closure to prevent spread of the coronavirus, as six individuals arrived in the Bahamas by private aircraft bringing with them a donation of 2500 testing kits.
Dr. Minnis said he was advised on the additional entry of six individuals, by the Director General of the Bahamas Civil Aviation Authority.
Dr. Minnis said all of the individuals were screened by health officials and were placed under self-quarantine.
“One of those Bahamians was permitted to exit the country and to re-enter The Bahamas after medical care over the course of a 24-hour period,” he said.
He said this individual was administered a COVID-19 test upon re-entry, and was placed under self-quarantine, and the second Bahamian obtained the COVID-19 test prior to entry and was also placed under self-quarantine.
Dr. Minnis added that one permanent resident was permitted entry, who obtained a COVID-19 test prior to arrival, and was placed under self-quarantine.
“A total of three work permit holders were permitted entry for emergency and essential purposes. Two of these individuals were needed to service BPL generators here on New Providence. These individuals were placed under self-quarantine, which was the policy at the time of their arrival,” Dr. Minnis said.
