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Since reopening on July 1, 2020, The Bahamas has seen a surge of 49 news cases of Covid-19, making the total confirmed cases now at 153.
Prime Minister Hubert Minnis held a press conference today, July 19, to update Bahamians and tourists on the current state of affairs and major changes he is making to protect the country.
“Regrettably the situation here at home has already deteriorated since we began reopening our international borders.”
PM Minnis clearly stated that swift action needed to be taken in order to save the Bahamas from a complete lockdown.
“Our current situation demands decisive action if we are to avoid being overrun and defeated by this virus. We are taking these strong actions to save lives.”
One of the most drastic updates he is making, effective Wednesday July 22, 2020, is to ban ALL international flights except for those coming from Canada, the UK and nations within the EU.
This travel ban will most greatly affect travelers from the USA, who have been permitted to travel to the island since its reopening on July 1st.
IMPORTANT UPDATE AUGUST 3:
Since the publishing of this article, the Bahamas has retracted their ban on US travelers and has now imposed PCR testing AND mandatory 14-day quarantine.
*Please see all Bahamas Entry Requirement Updates
PM Minnis also stated that Bahamas Air will cease all outgoing flights to USA effective immediately. Travelers that are currently in the USA will have to find other airlines in the next few days to return home as soon as possible, potentially before no more flights are available.
Summary of Updated Restrictions For The Bahamas:
Here is a summary of the updated restrictions for the Bahamas as per the press conference given by PM Minnis on July 19, 2020
→ International commercial flights and commercial vessels will NOT be permitted except Canada, UK and EU effective Wednesday July 22nd at midnight
→ Bahamas Air will cease all outgoing flights to USA effective immediately.
→ ALL returning residents and visitors will require a negative test result within 10 days before departure day. The must also have an approved health visa to enter. Any resident who does not have a negative PCR test must be quarantined with a monitoring device for 14 days, or at a government facility at their expense. Covid-19 tests will be administered at the end of the 14-day quarantine at cost of traveler/resident.
→ Domestic travel will continue to be permitted, but all domestic travelers are still required to complete the electronic health visa.
→ Public and private beaches and parks on New Providence, Paradise Island, Grand Bahama and surrounding cays will be closed effective tomorrow at 5 p.m.
→ Restaurants at Arawak Cay and Potter’s Cay will be closed effective tomorrow.
Updates for Specifically Grand Bahama Island
→ Grand Bahama has been the most resurgence of cases, especially after being covid free for over 2 months. The PM said the resurgence has come from inbound tourism and residents returning to the island.
→ A new curfew from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. starts on Grand Bahama July 20
→ All public and private beaches and parks will be closed as of 5 a.m. tomorrow.
→ International and domestic borders will be closed to all incoming and outgoing air and sea vessels effective midnight July 22
→ Indoor dining is closed. Only outdoor dining and curbside pickup will be available.
→ Social distancing and mask wearing is now enforced
PM Minnis ended the press conference with a word of warning. If the above restrictions and efforts are unsuccessful, Grand Bahamas island, or the entire nation, could face a total lock down as soon as Friday July 24.
Bahamas Entry Requirements: Learn more about entry requirements with our Bahamas Reopening for Tourism Guide
Read More: See what countries that have reopened for American Tourists, and which travel insurance companies that cover Covid
sources: The office of the PM of the Bahamas
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Tom McClintok
Tuesday 21st of July 2020
Just take note that nowhere does it say how many Covid cases are from the US. Just says 49 “new” Covid cases and infers the blame to the US.
Leo Folse
Monday 20th of July 2020
I am very sad that this prime minister has chosen this path for the Bahamas. Was literally booking my trip. Not a single number with this covid1984 thing is not corrupt. CASES are good. We were never to live in a bubble we were only to slow it down. We are all going to catch this cold. the spike in cases , even with the massive fraud Florida dept of health was just caught doing with case count only makes this virus less deadly since deaths are not rising. CDC has admitted new CFR is two tenths of a percent. Draconian play time needs to end. I am sorry for your loss of business. who will be bailing you out I wonder? Its not like triple unemployment is being dished out or a 8 trillion dollar loan package is coming .
Emily
Monday 20th of July 2020
Everyone’s always so quick to blame the Americans 🙈 The issue wasn’t the Americans coming in- it’s the Bahamians traveling to Florida for the weekend. Residents gone for 72 hours were not required to be tested before coming back. Or, if they really think Americans are the issue than ban the flights entering the country not the ones leaving...it’s put a lot of problems on people trying to leave from Bahamas to go home- especially the seafarers that are now stuck onboard indefinitely again!
Elizabeth P
Monday 20th of July 2020
Hi Kashlee/Trevor! Is it just direct flights from the US that the Bahamas is banning? Or US passport-holders as well? If i booked a 'roundabout' flight from the US-->CAN-->BAH, would I be permitted to enter? Thanks for all your help
Kashlee Kucheran
Monday 20th of July 2020
Hi! :) Right now you won't be able to fly into Canada first, because you would have to go through customs on arrival into Canada and Americans are not permitted to do so at this time. Also, I believe customs in the Bahamas would not allow a simple flight stop to gain entry. From my experience, I think they would refuse you upon arrival which would ruin all your travel plans.
Wayne morris
Monday 20th of July 2020
It never fails...some peoples god...trump
Vox Veritas
Monday 20th of July 2020
You never fail to think that President Trump is a deity. Your self-anointed Obamessiah he is not.