The Bahamas has put in a series of strong measures in a bid to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus. 

Bahamas Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis has put in a new “Emergency Order” effective through March 31 that will include a series of “preventative restrictions.”

Those include that no visitor will be allowed to enter and disembark for any reason in The Bahamas; all airports (including private airports and fixed-base operators) will be closed to incoming international flights unless granted written permission by the competent authority.

Most notably, all residents of The Bahamas will be under a 24-hour curfew and are to remain at home to avoid contact outside of their family, except for essential workers. 

Residents can leave their home for essential travel, meaning doctor visits, grocery shopping, pharmacy visits or refueling, for example. 

The country is also encouraging “proper social distancing guidelines” of six feet at all times. 

The country has also closed all public beaches, public markets and docks, and no cars are permitted for any purpose, excepting the aforementioned essential business. 

Before the Emergency Order was put in place, The Bahamas had been active in using screening measures for visitors and residents.

The Bahamas says it is conducting COVID-19 testing, launched a destination-wide education campaign to remind the public about important hygiene practices. 

At the time of this report, there were 4 cases of coronavirus in the country, all in Nassau, all of whom were quarantined.

– CJ