Why Grand Bahama Must Shut Down Now
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The nation’s second city is experiencing a surge in coronavirus cases.
Grand Bahama’s cases are second only to New Providence, with the largest number of recorded infections in the country.
Grand Bahama is dubbed the ‘hot spot’ by health officials after 20 new cases sprung up in one day.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Hubert Minnis announced immediate plans to place the island on a 2-week lock down beginning Thursday 23rd of July at 7 p.m. until Friday 7th of August at 5 a.m, stating that “time was of the essence.”
Watching the island’s COVID-19 trends, Dr. Minnis initially announced a possible lock down for Friday 24th if efforts to decrease the number of cases were unsuccessful.
But Tuesday morning, he said because of the confirmation of 20 new cases of COVID-19 on Grand Bahama just yesterday, the decision was quickly made to increase restrictive measures as soon as possible, based on the advice of health officials.
During Saturdays and Sundays, a complete lock down will be in place.
Food stores will be allowed to operate Monday to Friday from 7 am to 5 pm.
Pharmacies, water depots and gas stations will be allowed to operate Monday to Friday from 7 am to 1 pm for the general public.
Individuals can only leave home during the week to purchase food, water, medicine or for some other essential purpose, or if they are essential workers.
Effective Tuesday evening, at 6pm all domestic flights in and out of Grand Bahama ceased.
Residents are urged to make the necessary preparations for the lock down.
Dr. Minnis said, “It is absolutely necessary because things will get much worse on Grand Bahama if we don’t take this strong measure now.
“I know that a measure like this even further disrupts daily life and economic activity. But we are in an emergency situation.
“We must work now to stop the spread of the virus on Grand Bahama before it gets even more out of control,” he said.
