After months of closure as the country batted COVID-19, businesses will return to sense of normalcy, as mandated by the new emergency orders.
Prime Minister Hubert Minnis said the new orders will ensure that more small businesses open with appropriate health measures in New Providence and Grand Bahama, and islands in the Second Schedule of the Order:
- Barbers and beauticians can open with one person per service provider.
- Landscape service providers can operate Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- News vendors can operate Monday through Friday from 7 a.m.
- Retail businesses may operate Monday through Saturday between the hours of 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., using curbside or delivery services. Clothing and fabric stores may also offer in-store service with physical distancing, sanitization and mask protocols.
- Restaurants can offer take away, drive-thru, and outdoor dining. Restaurants at the Fish Fry and Potter’s Cay will be able to offer take away services only.
- Public transportation can operate at 50% capacity, subject to health guidelines.
Knowing that cases will rise as aresult of the reopening, Minnis said officials have increased hospital capacity, created a COVID-19 Enforcement Unit; increased testing capacity; improved the turnaround time for test results, and generally improved the analysis of health data.
“This is not a time for large parties, socials or group gatherings, which can further spread the virus, which is easy to catch.”
These new changes came after Dr. Minnis said health officials saw positive trends developing in New Providence, and a complete lockdown was no longer recommended for New Providence.
“But I must say to you, that if the data points to the need for other restrictions in the future to address community spread, such restrictions will be put in place,” he said.
He reminded the public follow social protocols as there is still no vaccine for the virus.
Minnis’ announcement last week gave business owners oneweek to prepare for the reopening to the public.
Individuals are permitted to exercise from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. Beaches are opened from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. daily.