PM: Groups on Beaches and Parks Limited to 5 People for Easter Weekend

As the Easter weekend approaches, Prime Minister Hubert Minnis stressed that groups on beaches and parks are limited to 5 people only.

He said COVID Ambassadors will monitor beaches and parks to ensure the enforcement of the Emergency order.

Why it matters

Beaches were reported to be crowded on Sunday past, as a large number of beachgoers ignored the social distancing and the use of masks protocol.  A picture has circulated showing the beachgoers defiant of the Emergency Order.

The big picture

Director of the National HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Programme at the Ministry of Health, Dr Nikkiah Forbes,  said the country is on the brink of a third wave as it is “fully possible” that COVID-19 cases could jump rapidly after the Easter holiday weekend due to increased social interaction.

What Minnis says

Minnis said large gatherings over the holiday weekend “could set the country back” as other countries grapple with a third wave of the virus.

“We can not afford a painful third wave. We all must do our part. We don’t want another surge in cases in the Bahamas. This will result in more hospitalization and more deaths.”

When asked for his response to criticism that political groups have gathered in large groups to campaign in recent weeks, Minnis said, “You would have seen them still spacing out. And each and everyone, regardless of the political organization, each and everyone was wearing a mask.”