Dr. Hubert Minnis, the Bahamian Prime Minister, just told Parliament there that the island’s lockdown due to pandemic will continue, while he is encouraging people on recreational cruising boats to go back home for the duration. He also said that no incoming pleasure boats will be allowed to dock in the Bahamas.
The government’s new lockdown started on Wednesday, April 8, and ends at 5 a.m. on Tuesday, April 14. At that point a decision will be made whether to continue it further. There also will be a lockdown every weekend for the remainder of April from 9 p.m. on Friday to 5 a.m. on Monday.
In his statement to Parliament, Dr. Minnis said “the Royal Bahamas Defence Force has been mobilized to fortify the borders of the Family Islands. Incoming pleasure craft will not be allowed to dock at any port in The Bahamas.”
He said that “protocols for yachts and other pleasure craft are being developed. The main purpose of which is to encourage as many of ‘these people’ already within Bahamian territorial waters to return to their countries of origin for the duration of the pandemic.”
During the lockdown, Dr. Minnis said that “all services are prohibited” except for hospitals, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force and Police Force, media, security services, hotels with guests, public utilities, and some import/export trade.
“The lockdown means you may not leave the confines of your property, for any reason, unless there is an emergency or unless you are working in an entity” such as those spelled out above, Dr. Minnis said.
He added, “This means you may not leave the confines of your property to exercise, even if it is your immediate neighborhood. You must stay at home or in your own yard.”
You can read the full text of his statement below.
https://opm.gov.bs/prime-minister-on-new-covid-19-orders/
