Here’s What You Need to Know About Minnis’ Contribution in the House Today

Members of Parliament returned to the House of Assembly today to debate the extension of the Emergency Order to May 23.

Prime Minister Hubert Minnis, in his contribution, made the case for the extension, while addressing a few other concerns in regard to CDC’s removal of the Bahamas from its level 4 travel advisory, the continuation of the unemployment benefits, and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines.

What to know

-The Bahamas will move to a Level 3 Travel Health Notice, from the more serious Level 4 after a reassessment by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

-NIB’s Unemployment Benefit will be extended again to February to provide the necessary financial support to families still suffering from the economic fallout caused by the pandemic.

-Plans are on-going to ensure the effective roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccine throughout the country, to ensure the citizens and residents who choose to take the COVID-19 vaccine can do so safely and quickly.

-Vaccines approved for use in the Bahamas have met the strict and rigorous standards of the World Health Organization (WHO).

-The vaccine will not be mandatory and will be available free of charge for adults who choose to take it. So far, approved vaccines will only be administered to adults.

-The Bahamas has secured doses to vaccinate 20 percent of the population once it becomes available through the COVAX Facility assisted by WHO and PAHO.

-Additional approved vaccines may also be accessible through the African Medical Supplies Platform (ASMP) via CARICOM, and through direct contact with approved vaccine providers.

-The government is still in the process of determining which vaccines will be used and the specific date in which they will arrive in the country.

-Working arrangements for public officers are under review for the orderly and safe return to the workplace as early as February 1st. Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Department will communicate with employees.