Inter-island commercial air travel may resume as normal as of Wednesday, according to Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis who held a news conference on Grand Bahama on Monday to announce a number of changes to emergency orders.
“COVID-19 negative test results are no longer required for inter-island travel, except for those travelling from New Providence. This is subject to change,” Minnis said.
“However, individuals traveling from the islands included in the second schedule, including Grand Bahama, will continue to be required to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival at their destination.”
If individuals travel to New Providence and seek to return to any other island they will be required to obtain a COVID-19 RTPCR negative test result.
Private medical facilities and dentists are able to provide services outside of the curfew hours and medical services during the curfew hours in an emergency.
Worship services are now allowed in sanctuary for New Providence, following the health measures and guidelines for such services.
Minnis also announced a number of amendments to the Emergency Orders, which apply to Grand Bahama, Abaco, Acklins, Andros, the Berry Islands, Bimini, Cat Island, Crooked Island, Eleuthera, Exuma, Inagua and Mayaguana.
Businesses, agencies, establishments and institutions will be able to operate subject to the safety protocols, with few exceptions that are high risk activities.
The high-risk prohibited businesses continue to be: casinos, bars, discos, cinemas, gyms, regattas, festivals and similar activities.
The new amendments mean that retailers will be able to offer in-store services.
Restaurants will be able to offer indoor dining services, provided they follow the physical distancing, mask wearing and sanitization protocols in the Orders.
Fish Fry establishments will continue with take away and curb side services only.
“The changes announced today mean that businesses that had not been permitted to open or that were opened with restrictions may now operate, following the public health measures,” according to Minnis.