24-hour weekend lockdown lifted and restaurant dine in allowed as the Bahamas announces new COVID-19 guidelines

Bahamas: Prime Minister of Bahamas National Address Dr Hubert Minnis announced revised measures as coronavirus cases are suspected to reduce by 50 percent from October 10 to now.

Prime Minister Hubert stated that the national average of coronavirus cases continues to fall, and hospitalisation of positive patients have also decreased by 68% percent. He noted that the transmission of coronavirus is declining in the Bahamas.

PM Hubert announced that Acklins, Crooked Islands, Inagua, Long Island, San Salvador, Ragged islands do not have any active coronavirus cases.

Announcing the new guidelines, Prime Minister stated that the 24-hour weekend lockdown is lifted and new closedowns will be from 9 pm to 5 am. He added that these guidelines also apply to the Grand Bahamas on weekdays and weekends.

Besides this, he announced that retail shops including pharmacies could resume their in-store services from Monday to Saturday by following the protocols prepared by Bahamas Federation of Retailers, he asserted that these protocols are certified by the government health ministries.

Outdoor dining in restaurants is also permitted from Monday to Saturday, while o Sundays only drive-through and take away services are permitted. Dining at hotels is also expected to resume. At the same time, all beaches and parks will also be open on Saturday and Sunday from 5 am to 6 pm where groups are only limited to 5 people, and the situation will be closely monitored by the COVID-19 enforcement units.

Furthermore, he added that his administration continues to consult health officials to determine the appropriate times for the safe reopening of gyms, spas.

"Many of these measures have been difficult for many families and business, but let me assure you that what we are doing in the short term will help families and businesses will help them in the long term, " added Prime Minister Hubert.