covidlockdown

Sunday’s national address by Prime Minister Hubert Minnis seemed to prepare the nation for a possible lockdown.

Dr. Minnis’ speech was littered with notions of “lockdown” with many viewers sitting on their edge of their seats, waiting for him to announce the new measure for New Providence. But it never happened.

Now many are speculating when a lockdown will be implemented by Minnis.

Here’s five things Minnis said that supports a lockdown is looming for the New Providence and Abaco:

• Minnis highlighted that other countries have returned to lockdown measures to combat virus increases

He said, “Some countries have gone back to targeted lockdowns or more restrictive curfews and other measures needed to address the high number of infections, hospitalizations and, sadly, deaths.”

• Minnis hinted that lockdown is an international measure used to fight the virus

“If cases rise exponentially and virus spread is out of control, governments often have no choice but to order a lockdown to save lives.

“This has become an international standard and response by most governments around the world, including countries that have generally had a good response to the pandemic.”

• Minnis praised the sucess of lockdowns in Bimini and Grand Bahama

“Indeed, the targeted and sustained lockdowns in Bimini and most recently, Grand Bahama, were essential in reducing the number of infections on those islands, both of which continue to have low numbers at this time.”

• Minnis painted a grim picture of COVID-19 in New Providence

“One in every 100 residents of New Providence is now infected with COVID-19.

“Sadly, we are now averaging one death per day and our medical facilities have now reached capacity.”

• Minnis said PAHO and WHO representative Dr. Esther de Gourville, and Consultant Dr. Merceline Dahl-Regis are set to discuss future strategies in a “special meeting” with Cabinet and the Opposition.

“After these various meetings, I will brief the nation on the recommendations of our health experts, especially on the way forward for New Providence and Abaco.”

Kelly’s House and Home responds to Shenique Miller – The Conversation after a post circulated social media that the mega household store would close its doors.

Shenique Miller – The Conversation posted on Facebook that Kelly’s “is reportedly threatening to remain closed,” adding that the home store held a meeting with government and do not plan to reopen, putting “hundreds out of work.”

Kelly’s says in a Facebook post, “We have received an overwhelming amount of responses to the post indicating closure of Kelly’s House and Home. Please be advised that Kelly’s House and Home is currently closed due to the government’s mandate of a minimum 2-week lock down.”

In a voice note, a representative says a lawsuit needs to be brought against Miller for disseminating false information.

“My boss is having a real laugh off of this…he’s having a hard time stopping from laughing,” the woman in the voice note says.

“We are closed because it is impossible for us to do curbside. We have over 100,000 different skews. The only people we will sell to on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays are plumbers. We can take their orders, they can come to the back gate. Plumbing is easy. Plumbers know exactly what they want.”

She adds that the lumber yard will also conduct curbside services, as it is easier to manage.

Before it was deleted, Miller’s post startled many Bahamians who expressed shock about the purported shut down of the nation’s largest house and home store.

Kelly’s says it will remain closed until further notice while the two-week lock down remains in effect, whereas Kelly’s Lumber will open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, from 7am to 4:30pm for curbside service only.

One relieved poster states, “This is my favourite place to shop all year round-so no closing for you’ll.”

Kelly’s says during the lock down implemented to combat the spread of COVID19, its staff remains fully paid.