Atlantis has announced it will extend the closure of its sprawling Paradise Island property. The extension comes as the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases reported across the resort’s key U.S. markets continues to rise.
There are 3.68 million cases of the coronavirus in The United States.
In some states, covid-related hospitalizations are out of control as cases surge and morgues are filling up, prompting officials to bring in refrigerated trailers to store bodies.
Atlantis said it is tracking new information daily and will share reopening updates.
“We have made the difficult decision to extend Atlantis’ closure, prioritizing the health and safety of our team, our guests, and our community first. While we are excited and energized by the opportunity to welcome our guests with warm Bahamian hospitality, we believe that extending our closure is in the best interest of public health at this time,” said Audrey Oswell, President and Managing Director of Atlantis.
“During the extended closure, we will continue to make improvements to the resort, including the renovation of The Royal guestrooms,” Oswell continued.
Atlantis initially announced the phased reopening of the resort for July 7 but pushed its opening date to the end of July due to the spike in cases. This will be the second time the country’s largest private sector employer has pushed back its opening date.
Baha Mar and Sandals have also indicated they will open later than initially anticipated.
Observers had urged the government to follow the lead of the major resorts and reconsider the July 1 opening of the country’s borders. However, the government made the decision to stick to that date, resulting in a second wave of coronavirus cases in The Bahamas.
20 COVID-19 cases have been confirmed since July 8. That includes 13 on Grand Bahama and seven on New Providence.
Doctors are now complaining they are burnt out and staff morale is extremely low. They fear they cannot handle a second wave of the coronavirus but their cries have fallen on deaf ears.
Bahamians await the Competent Authority’s response this worrying situation during his national address on Sunday.