Bahamas plans July 1 reopening

The Bahamas government has targeted July 1 for a tentative reboot of the tourism industry

Bahamian Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis is planning to open borders to tourism then but cautions it is still no set in stone subject to a range of factors.

It hopes to have the hotel industry ready by then to accommodate guests with enhanced health and safety protocols.

"I want to repeat that this date is not final. It will be adjusted if we see deterioration in the Covid-19 infection trends or if we determine that the protocols and procedures are not in place sufficiently to warrant an opening," Minnis said.

Although the PM extended the emergency orders until June 29, restrictions have already been eased in some areas.

Some commercial activities on the Family Islands have restarted and inter-island travel will be gradually phased back to New Providence and Grand Bahama.

The Bahamas is currently in Phase 2 of its reopening plans, and has so far recorded 100 cases of Covid-19.

Several Caribbean nations have updated plans for reopening or announced the gradual easing of some restrictions:

Dominica

Dominica has recorded no new Covid-19 cases for six weeks. However the minister of Health, Wellness and New Health Investment, Dr. Irving McIntyre says that it does not imply Dominica is Covid-free and Dominicans should continue wearing face masks and practice social distancing.

From this week curfew hours have been reduced and business hours increased. According to a Caribbean Tourism Organization update, a national plan is being worked out for the reopening of borders.

Grenada

Grenada has started accepting arrivals via registered private yachts under new protocols. On arrival and after pre-approval formalities, Ministry of Health officials will conduct screenings, including temperature testing for yacht passengers who then must complete a 14-day quarantine at approved locations.

"The Cabinet and National COVID-19 Response Team are satisfied that the implemented health and safety protocols will allow yachts a safe-haven in Grenada for the Hurricane Season, while ensuring the safety of all citizens," said minister for tourism and civil aviation, Hon. Dr. Clarice Modeste-Curwen. The ministry is working with the Grenada Tourism Authority and other stakeholders on a reopening strategy but has no official timeline yet.

St. Kitts & Nevis

Beaches opening times have been extended for an additional hour in the mornings, for swimming and exercising only with the social distancing measures. Except for emergency services, there are no passenger flights  and interisland travel is currently banned.

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