More Islands Reopen for Commercial Activities
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Prime Minister Hubert Minnis reopens additional islands, and extends the days for construction companies, pharmacies and exercise
Prime Minister Hubert Minnis said on Sunday, “As you know, we are still in Phase 1B of the national reopening plan, but we have started to introduce components of Phase 2 as the country fully transitions into the second phase of the plan.
“I am pleased to announce that Cat Island, Long Island, Abaco and Andros will now be able to resume commercial activity effective Monday, May 18th,” he said.
Dr. Minnis reiterated that the Family Islands that are able to resume commercial activities will continue its weekday curfews and weekend lockdown measures with physical distancing measures and the requirement to wear masks.
Dr. Minnis added that residents will be allowed to catch crabs for themselves and for sale during the evenings of weekday curfew and weekend lockdowns.
The Family Islands aforementioned joins Mayaguana, Inagua, Crooked Island, Acklins, Long Cay, Rum Cay and Ragged Island in reopening for commercial activities.
Dr. Minnis added that construction companies on New Providence and Grand Bahama can operate on Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
He said, “To facilitate hurricane preparedness, home and hardware stores will now be allowed to operate in-store hours on Mondays, 8am to 8pm. This is in addition to the Wednesday and Friday in-store hours that home and hardware stores are currently allowed to operate.”
Dr. Minnis said the operating hours also apply to manufacturers of hurricane-proof windows and other hurricane-related products.
He said curbside and delivery services may continue as previously outlined in Phase 1B.
Pharmacies can now operate from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday for the general public, and Saturday 9am to 5pm for essential workers only.
Also, exercise measures have been further relaxed during the weekend lockdowns. Exercise can now take place on Saturday and Sunday from 5 a.m. to 8 a.m. in one’s immediate neighbourhood.
