Tourists visiting The Bahamas poured into Lynden Pindling International Airport on Sunday as the government scrapped the 14-day quarantine and the rapid antigen test that was previously required upon arrival into the country.
Tourism Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar announced, during a news conference on Saturday, that as of today, persons entering the country would no longer be required to quarantine or take the rapid antigen test as long as they have a negative COVID-19 test less than seven days old.
LPIA’s baggage claim section was filled with visitors collecting their baggage on Sunday and ready to explore The Bahamas.
However, inquiring minds want to know how tourists will react to the weekend lockdowns, 8pm curfew, no dining at restaurants and curbside-only services for most businesses. If restaurants are not allowed to provide dining service, where will tourists eat, especially those staying at Air BnBs that don’t have in-house restaurants. Are they expected to go back to their rooms as of 8pm each night and stay locked in their rooms all weekend?
Did the Competent Authority think about these restrictions ahead of the reopening of the tourism sector on November 1?
The latest round of restrictions was announced by Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis earlier this month.
During his most recent press conference last week, Minnis announced beaches would reopen for visitors to enjoy.
However, he said the lockdowns and curfew remain in place.
On Saturday, D’Aguilar said emergency orders would change to reflect the new travel protocols. However, he did not say what those changes are and when they will take effect.