curfews

The state of emergency was fully dropped as of 12 am Saturday following 18 months of curfews.

The curfews were implemented by the former Minnis-led administration in March 2020 to restrict movement and business operations as the COVID19 cases spiraled and the healthcare system became overwhelmed with patients.

Businesses were also forced to reduce business hours to accommodate the curfews and occasional lockdowns.

Countries around the world used similar methods to assist in combating the infectious disease.

What does it mean?

This now means that Bahamians are free to travel in and around the country at any time without impediment.

However, they must continue to follow the protocols like being socially distant, wearing mask and sanitizing.

Parties and social events are limited to 20 people who are fully vaccinated for indoor events and vaccinated or negative COVID19 test for outdoor events.

Restaurants maximum seating is 50 percent for fully vaccinated or negative COVID19 testing for patrons.

Weddings and funerals are limited to 33 percent.

There has been a steady fall in cases and on Friday the Center for Disease Control lowered the country’s COVID level to 3.

Anyone convicted of breaking the rules can be fined not exceeding $1000 or a term in prison not more than 1 year or both.

What the new health minister says

Minister of Health and Wellness Michael Darville said the country was under a state of emergency for too long and it needed to be lifted. Darville said he was not convinced the curfew played a significant role in reducing COVID-19 spread.

He expects that Bahamians will be disciplined as the country fully reopens.

Photo credit: Tribune

The government has implemented a daily 7 pm to 5 am curfew for North and South Bimini, beginning Thursday night to assist in controlling the sudden spike in COVID-19 cases on the island.

Why it matters

Bimini Island has a total of 173 cases of COVID-19. On Monday, health officials revealed that 11 new cases on the island were linked to clusters at a local resort.

Health Minister Renward Wells confirmed on Tuesday that a health team was deployed to the island to examine the new outbreaks and carry out vaccinations on the island.

The details

The newly amended Order provides for the following on North and South Bimini:

• Social gatherings are prohibited.
• Funeral services may be held at the graveside only, and are limited to a maximum of 10 people,  not including officiants and funeral service workers.
• Services are subject to physical distancing and any other health protocols issued by the Bahamas Christian Council and approved by the Ministry of Health.
• Weddings are permitted in a church, a facility or outdoors provided that the number of attendees is limited to 10, including the officiant, and that all attendees wear masks.
• Wedding receptions are prohibited.
• Church services may be held daily between 6 am and 6 pm in accordance with physical distancing and other health protocols provided by the Bahamas Christian Council and approved by the Ministry of Health.
• All bars are prohibited from operating.
• Groups are limited to a maximum of five persons on beaches and parks.
• Hotel and cruise ship guests will be required to remain on the premises of the hotel or cruise ship during the curfew period. Hotel and cruise ship guests may also move between the hotel and marina, to the extent the marina is part of the premises of the hotel, during the curfew period.