HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PRIME MINISTER’S NATIONAL ADDRESS 19 JULY 2020
-The Ministry of Health reporting 15 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 today, bringing total to 153. -International commercial flights NOT permitted to enter, except for flights from the UK, European Union and Canada, effective midnight Wednesday 22 July -Bahamasair to cease outgoing flights to the US, effective immediately -Outgoing commercial vessels and flights still allowed to depart The Bahamas, except Grand Bahama -Private aviation and pleasure craft and yachts still permitted to enter and depart The Bahamas -On GRAND BAHAMA: New curfew, 7pm to 5am; no international or domestic flights or sea vessels in or out of the island, except for emergency and essential purposes; restaurant indoor dining prohibited (outdoor dining, curbside, takeaway and delivery allowed); all Fish Fry’s closed; all beaches and parks closed; all congregate activities prohibited (national exams not included); bars remain closed -Officials to monitor COVID-19 developments on Grand Bahama. Further restrictions may be necessary -Seven-member Ministry of Health team from New Providence mobilized on Grand Bahama to support work of health officials on the island -Beaches and parks closed on New Providence, Paradise Island, Rose Island, Athol Island and other cays surrounding New Providence until COVID-19 Enforcement Unit can enforce proper physical distancing protocols -10pm to 5am curfew remains, except for Grand Bahama -Restaurants at Arawak Cay and Potter’s Cay closed until CO VID-19 Enforcement Unit can enforce proper physical distancing protocols -Officials to monitor COVID-19 situation on New Providence for the following 72 hours to determine if more restrictive measures should be put in place -Since opening of borders on 1 July, 49 new cases recorded; 31 of that number on Grand Bahama -Domestic travel still permitted with a Health Visa, except for Grand Bahama -New COVID-19 fines introduced for false COVID-19 tests, breaking quarantine, among other offences -COVID-19 Enforcement Unit will ensure all Bahamians, residents and visitors are adhering to the enforcement protocols of the Emergency Powers Orders. -Negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test still required to enter country. -Hon. Renward Wells appointed Minister of Health; Hon. Dion Foulkes will take on portfolio for Ministry of Transport and Local Government, in addition to Labour. -Mr. Travis Robinson re-appointed parliamentary secretary in the Ministry of Tourism -Dr. Merceline Dahl-Regis to step away from day-to-day operations as head of COVID-19 Task Force. Will continue to advise the Government and Prime Minister on COVID-19 matters.